Blair records message for nation

13 April 2012

Tony Blair has recorded a televised address to the nation, to be broadcast once British troops are "substantially engaged" in operations in Iraq, it emerged today.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said that the broadcast was recorded in Downing Street earlier today before Mr Blair left for the EU summit in Brussels and would be transmitted at "an appropriate time".

He declined to say whether that was expected to take place today.

Earlier today, Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon told MPs in a statement to the House of Commons that Mr Blair would make a broadcast to the nation "once military action has begun and UK forces are substantially engaged".

The Prime Minister's spokesman added later: "He has recorded a broadcast to the nation this afternoon. He wanted to record any such broadcast in Downing Street so it made sense to do that before leaving for Brussels, given the fast-moving nature of events.

"It will be broadcast at an appropriate time."

The message, which lasts around five minutes, was recorded in the White Room at 10 Downing Street, said the spokesman.

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