Protesters plot to spoil Tony Blair’s book launch party

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“Protesters plot to spoil Tony Blair’s book launch party”

Anti-war protesters are planning to disrupt a party to celebrate the launch of Tony Blair’s memoirs at Tate Modern tomorrow evening.

The former prime minister has already pulled out of a book-signing planned for tomorrow afternoon over fears of a large-scale demonstration outside Waterstones in Piccadilly.

The Stop The War Coalition hailed Mr Blair’s withdrawal as a “victory” and are now targeting the launch party of his autobiography, A Journey, which was published last week.

In a statement issued today, the protest group said: “Stop the War has learned that a party is being hosted at the Tate Modern gallery on the evening of the 8th … We believe this is a misuse of a respected public institution.”

Artist Kat Phillips, one of those organising the Tate demonstration, said: “It is disgusting that an institution at the heart of British culture should have allowed this event to take place.

“Mr Blair says he takes responsibility for destroying Iraq but in fact does nothing but celebrate the war.”

Lindsey German, national convener of the Stop The War Coalition, also condemned the gallery for hosting the event.

She said: “It’s a stain on the reputation of Tate Modern to host a gathering of war criminals.”

Mr Blair today pledged to go ahead with the party despite the prospect of a barrage of abuse from angry protesters when he and guests including Alastair Campbell and Jack Straw arrive at the Southbank venue.

He cancelled tomorrow’s book signing after ugly scenes at a similar event in Dublin at the weekend, when protesters threw shoes and eggs and one attempted to perform a citizen’s arrest on the ex-premier.

He apologised for pulling out yesterday, saying: “I have decided not to go ahead with the signing as I don’t want the public inconvenienced by the inevitable hassle caused by protesters.

“I know the Metropolitan Police would, as ever, have done a superb job in managing any disruption but I do not wish to impose an extra strain on police resources, simply for a book signing.”

Stop the War said: “This [announcement] is a big victory for the anti-war movement and all those who reject Blair’s legacy.

“He now knows beyond doubt that he cannot go anywhere in public without being confronted by protests over his war crimes and by attempts to make a citizen’s arrest.”

The group plans to use peaceful means to disrupt tomorrow’ event.

The Met declined to comment but sources said officers would be out in numbers enforcing “appropriate policing measures” to prevent trouble.

The Tate said it was not involved in staging the book launch.

A gallery spokeswoman added: “Tate’s galleries are available for hire by companies.
“These events are private and details are confidential.”

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