Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair defended his relationship with Rupert Murdoch on Monday before a British panel examining the relationships between politicians and the press. He told the panel that he had a “working relationship” with Mr. Murdoch during his time as Prime Minister, but added that they became personal friends after his time in office.
Later during the hearing, a protestor interrupted the proceedings, calling the former prime minister “a war criminal”. Tony Blair served as Prime Minister from 1997-2007.
British Prime Minister David Cameron appointed Lord Justice Leveson to oversee a committee examining the relationship between the press and celebrities, politicians and the police. 250 witnesses have testified before the inquiry, including author J.K. Rowling, actor Hugh Grant, and James & Rupert Murdoch.