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Tony Blair News

16 Sep 2013

Maintaining the Ship of Mercy

Africa Mercy alongside at a repair berth in Astican Shipyard, Las Palmas, Gran Canaria for brief annual upkeep period of repairs and modernization.  (Photo credit: © Mercy Ships/Ann Berry)

International faith-based organization Mercy Ships has used ships as traveling hospitals since 1978, providing health services to millions of people from the world’s poorest countries. Gathering praise from figures such as Nelson Mandella, Desmond Tutu, Jimmy Carter, George W. Bush and Tony Blair, the organization and its work have had a vast impact globally with more than 2.42 million direct beneficiaries to date and an estimated cumulative work bill near $1 billion. Funded primarily through private donations, Mercy Ships is now operating its fourth vessel, Africa Mercy.

12 Apr 2000

$475M Ferry Deal Eagerly Awaited

British Prime Minister Tony Blair said his government will take the needs of domestic shipbuilders into account when it awards a $475.1 million contract for naval ferries. "It is important we take this decision not just on best commercial grounds, but... the best grounds and interests of the shipbuilding industry in this country," he told parliament. But Blair, facing pressure from shipbuilders and oil industry workers fighting to stop the contract going abroad, also said his government was bound by strict European Union rules in awarding the contract. "We're bound in these procurement contracts, since they are not defense contracts as such, we are bound by these procurement contract rules of the European Union, the same way that every other country is," Blair said.

21 Nov 2000

Russia Claims It Heard "SOS" From Foreign Sub

Russia recorded SOS signals from a foreign submarine when its own nuclear submarine, the Kursk, was sinking with 118 sailors on board in August, a top navy commander reportedly has said. The cause of the accident with the Kursk in the Barents Sea remains unclear but Russian officials have said a collision was a possibility. The United States and Britain have denied their submarines were involved. Northern Fleet commander Vyacheslav Popov told the newspaper Nezavisimaya Gazeta there was growing evidence the Kursk sank after a collision with a foreign vessel. "The 'Polinom' hydro-acoustic system located SOS signals sent by a mechanical transmitter," Popov said, referring to Russian naval surveillance equipment.

17 Mar 2000

Loss Of Contract Deals Blow To N. Ireland Economy

Northern Ireland's economy suffered a blow when the shipyard that built the Titanic lost its bid to build a new Queen Mary cruise liner. The loss to a French yard threatened the survival of Harland and Wolff, the shipyard that once employed 30,000 workers and symbolized Northern Ireland's industrial prowess. Today it is a shadow of its former self with 1,745 workers. "The impact that this has on the ability of the UK shipbuilding industry to compete for projects is now clear and needs to be urgently addressed if there is to be a future for the industry in the United Kingdom," he said. British Prime Minister Tony Blair rejected the criticism. "We're very disappointed at the decision. But it's a decision by a commercial company.

06 Aug 2001

European Vision Leaves Vacationers Stranded in Genoa

Vacationers who booked a cruise on the luxury liner used by world leaders during last month's G8 summit were disappointed when the ship broke down at the weekend. European Vision had to stop in Genoa on Sunday to allow 1,500 passengers to disembark after an engine problem, a spokeswoman for Festival Cruises said. The 58,600-ton floating luxury resort, which includes Turkish baths, was home for two nights to world leaders such as French President Jacques Chirac and British Prime Minister Tony Blair during the Group of Eight summit last month. Passengers, who were on a seven-day cruise, were reimbursed and offered a 50 percent discount on future cruises with the company.