“Politicians start to behave like grown-ups” shock

Old rivals Tony Blair and William Hague work together on the Middle East.

By James Macintyre Published 04 July 2010 13:56

Amid all the wrangling about the coalition, and the stiff test it faces in the form of a referendum on electoral reform, it is refreshing to read of a new partnership between the Foreign Secretary, William Hague, and the former prime minister Tony Blair, who is now the UN Quartet's representative in the Middle East.

Says Hague:

We used to discuss a lot of things in a slightly more hostile way but it is now, I think, refreshing to be able to work together for something constructively. The goal of peace in the Middle East is one of the most important goals on which it is possible to work in the world. I value Tony Blair's advice, not only as a former prime minister, but as the Quartet's representative.

Says Blair:

Believe it or not I agree with that completely and actually I've found the interaction in the last few weeks immensely useful.

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4 comments

Mon, 2010-07-05 07:32 — Winniethepooh

Hague: the flotilla undermined the blockade - oh dear; the Israelis are losing control of the situation and so are we and the US
Blair: yeh I know. Of course the British government, the US and the Quartet did all it could to stop the Israelis having such a counterproductive policy.

Hague: of course it did.

Blair: now of course we have to wait on Obama to see if he can nudge the Israelis to move or contrarywise the Israelis to nudge Obama to not move and then we will know our move.

Hague: oh, what insight you have. I don't know what I'd do without your help. I hope there isn't another flotilla in the offing. It really muddies the waters and causes our policy to look bad.

Blair: don't worry apart form Israeli anti-cementism, anti-medical equipment, anti-toys, etc the blockade is completely lifted.There's no need for another flotilla. (I've earned my millions haven' I)?

Mon, 2010-07-05 09:42 — writeoff (not verified)

Anti-cementism - classic Winnie! Headline should read "worst person to resolve Middle East conflict to work with other top ten worst people to resolve conflict". Well, fingers crossed then.

Mon, 2010-07-05 12:09 — ROBERT TAGGART (not verified)

This be not the behaviour expected of them !
If politicos are not there for our entertainment... what are they there for ? !

Mon, 2010-07-05 18:41 — go James Go (not verified)

Maybe on the same note as your Gordon Brown article, you should resign and do the nation a favour. You really are a rubbish Journalist and you look like Tim Nice but Dim.