British taxpayers may be required to fund a multimillion-pound security operation if Sir Tony Blair assumes leadership of an interim government in Gaza, according to newly revealed Ministry of Defence contingency plans.
Security Plans Already in Development
The Mail on Sunday has learned that the MoD has already drafted detailed security arrangements for the former Prime Minister, which would include an elite team of British bodyguards and special forces personnel. Defense sources indicate the costs could reach millions of pounds over the proposed five-year term, particularly if Sir Tony maintains a regular presence in the region.
The security package under consideration would encompass regular flights between RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus and the region, should conditions in the Middle East be deemed too hazardous for him to establish a permanent base there.
Trump’s Peace Initiative
Last month, former US President Donald Trump proposed that Sir Tony serve on a transitional “board of peace” to administer Gaza, contingent upon Hamas accepting a proposed settlement to end hostilities with Israel. The suggestion has generated considerable controversy, given Sir Tony’s role in the 2003 Iraq War and his complex legacy in the Middle East.
Even within the UK government, the proposal has raised concerns. Health Secretary Wes Streeting acknowledged the appointment “will raise some eyebrows.”
Questions Over Governance Approach
Significant questions remain about whether Sir Tony would operate from within Gaza itself. Palestinian leader Nasser al-Qudwa, nephew of Yasser Arafat, expressed skepticism about remote governance, telling The Times: “To govern Gaza, you must be there – because you cannot just govern the place by remote control.”
Comprehensive Protection Requirements
Military sources have outlined the extensive security measures that would be necessary:
A Royal Military Police close protection team
A small Special Forces unit to monitor potential threats in surrounding areas
RAF air transport capabilities
Armored vehicle protection
Security experts estimate the overall protection detail could comprise up to 25 personnel. A senior military source explained the rationale: “Mr Blair is not the most popular man in the Middle East. And if he is elevated to interim governor of Gaza, there will be a security concern and we are told it will be a UK responsibility.”
The source elaborated on the operational challenges: “He already has a close security team but moving around Gaza will present much bigger challenges and that will require people with him all the time and another team watching him and the team for problems.”
While some security capabilities could potentially be provided by the United Nations, sources noted that most UK politicians prefer protection from British forces.
Official Responses
Representatives from Sir Tony Blair’s office dismissed concerns about taxpayer costs as “rubbish.”
The Ministry of Defence issued a statement saying: “This is pure speculation. All former Prime Ministers already have security protection in place. Any protective security system utilized by the UK Government is rigorous and proportionate.”
