Tony Blair has made a return to British politics by giving private briefings to Labour MPs on the need to be pro- business.
After five years focusing on the Middle East and Africa, the former prime minister is said to be interested in shaping Labour's future thinking. Speaking at one meeting with seven Labour MPs, he said the party must fight from the centre ground and be seen as pro-businesss to be taken seriously.
His advice was similar to that given by former foreign secretary David Miliband, brother of Labour leader Ed, in a recent article interpreted as a Blairite fightback against Ed Miliband's criticism of "predatory business".
The Labour leader's office said he was "fully supportive" of Mr Blair's meetings. Two have taken place so far. One MP who attended said they were a chance for young MPs elected in 2010 to meet their three-times victor ex-leader. He also revealed Gordon Brown is giving talks to MPs.
