Blair Accepted £1 Million Donation Before Fox Hunt Ban, Claims Former Adviser

Lord Mandelson, the former prime minister’s closest political confidant, said they were under ’some sort of pressure' from animal rights campaigners.

Lord Mandelson listens as Jonathan Reynolds, shadow secretary of state for business and trade, delivers his speech to delegates on day two of the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, England, on Oct. 9, 2023. Ian Forsyth/Getty Images

Former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair was pressured into banning fox hunting after taking a £1 million donation from animal welfare activists, according to his former leading adviser Lord Mandelson.

Lord Mandelson told Times Radio on Tuesday that former Labour leader Sir Tony faced pressure during a discussion about political funding.