Blair Cancels Second Event Promoting Memoir Amid Iraq War Protest Threats

Tony Blair cancelled a reception scheduled for tonight at London’s Tate Modern Gallery to mark the publication of his memoirs after the threat of protests.

His decision marked the second public event the former prime minister has called off while promoting the book, “A Journey.” He cancelled a book-signing in London this week after he was pelted with shoes, eggs and plastic bottles in Dublin on Sept. 4 by people protesting the Iraq war. He wasn’t hurt.

“It is sad in a way because you should have the right to sign books or see your friends if you want to,” Blair told ITV’s This Morning program today. “But it was going to cause so much hassle. The people at the party tonight are friends -- and some of them are not political at all.”

Blair, Britain’s longest-serving Labour premier, is publicizing his 736-page book published by Random House last week. The party would go ahead at some stage to thank the people who helped produce the memoir, he said.

“I don’t mind going through protesters; I have lived with that all my political life,” Blair said. “But for other people it can be a bit unpleasant and frightening.”

To contact the reporter on this story: Kitty Donaldson in London at kdonaldson1@bloomberg.net