Blair in greater danger in UK than Iraq

LONDON: The outgoing Prime Minister Tony Blair feels he has been in greater danger of assassination on the streets of Britain than in Iraq.

Asked why he had not worn body armour during a recent visit to Baghdad, Blair told The Times: "It's far more likely I'll shake hands with a group of kids today and somebody does something crazy than on a day in Iraq."

He was being interviewed in a Birmingham hotel when he made the remark.  He said "I don't mean it's more dangerous in Redditch than Baghdad, I mean if I am to be assassinated it's more likely to be in circumstances where I am out mixing with people but my people are not anticipating danger."

On why he had not worn body armour, while officials, Press and the military had, he said; "the politicians there don't wear it.  So if they don't why should I?  It's not a bravura thing."

As Blair prepares to step down next week, residents near the 3.65 million pounds townhouse in Connaught Square in London where he is planning to live have spoken for the first time of their anger with Downing Street and the police for failing to disclose the security implications.

Blair has been described by security analysts as one of the top five living targets for a terrorist attack.

His new home is only 100 yards from the heart of London's Arab community and is close to a school and a medical centre. Scotland Yard said that the force could not comment on security matters.

Blair said he wanted to work on the Middle East peace process and is being lined up as a special envoy for the Quartet group of peacemakers - the US, the EU, the UN and Russia.

He also intends to continue his work in Africa and climate change.

He plans to set up a foundation to promote cooperation between the faiths and he is likely to discuss the foundation when he meets the Pope in Rome on Saturday.