15 July, 2017
Control over immigration has been one of the key sticking points of Brexit so far, as Eu leaders have made clear that single market membership requires freedom of movement of citizens across the EU.Mr Blair said it is "possible" that the will of the British people will change, leaving the door open to the United Kingdom remaining in the union but with a much better deal - including control over freedom of movement.
'Our savings ratio is at the lowest for 50 years, the investment community internationally has now gone really negative on us, our currency's down 10-12 per cent, investment in the motor auto industry, for example, is down 30 per cent, living standards are stagnating. And in February, he called on opponents of Brexit to "rise up" and fight to change the British people's minds on the issue.
He also criticized Jeremy Corbyn, who became leader of the Labour Party eight years after Blair relinquished control, for offering a "jobs first" break from the European Union without the mechanism to deliver it.
Shortly after last year's referendum, Blair said Britain should keep its options open because the will of the people could change over time.
Mr Blair recently wrapped up his controversial business interests and has since founded his own Institute for Global Change.
"Reform is now on Europe's agenda", Mr Blair.
He suggests Britain could team up with other Eurosceptic countries to form an "outer circle" of the EU.
"The European leaders, certainly from my discussions, are willing to consider changes to accommodate Britain, including around freedom of movement. I wouldn't actually be believing those people who are set on destroying our attempts to leave who now appear as wolves in sheep's clothing".
In the statement, released alongside polling on whether people in the U.K., France and Germany consider themselves part of the political center, Blair didn't hold back on the state of British politics.
Former British prime minister Tony Blair.
