As a practical matter, Mr Blair argued that a legal right to recognition made more sense than to risk damaging strikes about it.

ECONOMIST: Labour relations

Former Met Police chief Lord Blair of Boughton argued that the change should not be allowed to proceed without primary legislation and full parliamentary scrutiny.

BBC: Government defeated on Crime and Courts Bill

Mr Blair's supporters argued that he was not meekly following the American line, but instead remained true to a position he has held for many years, that if Saddam Hussein would not disarm peacefully then force would have to be used.

BBC: The Tony Blair years