Links Between Tony Blair, His Consulting Activities, and Fossil Fuel Interests
Direct Financial and Advisory Links to Fossil Fuel Producers
Tony Blair, since leaving office as UK Prime Minister, has developed substantial financial and advisory relationships with fossil fuel-producing companies and states:
- Middle Eastern Governments and Oil Firms: Blair has been in the pay of the Kuwaiti government and a South Korean oil firm for extended periods, with contracts kept confidential at the request of the Kuwaiti authorities and due to “market sensitivities”[1]. He has also advised the Saudi oil company PetroSaudi, reportedly earning £41,000 a month plus a 2% commission on deals, and played a key role in brokering PetroSaudi’s entry into the Chinese market[5][13]. These activities were conducted through his firm, Tony Blair Associates.
- BP and Labour Government Links: During and after his premiership, Blair and his close circle were noted for their connections to BP. The oil giant was reported to have significant influence within Blair’s government, with senior Labour figures moving into BP roles and Downing Street hosting events to celebrate BP’s international deals[8].
- Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP): In 2014, Blair became an advisor to the consortium behind the TAP, a major project to transport Azeri gas to Europe, further cementing his advisory role in large fossil fuel infrastructure projects[4][9].
Tony Blair Institute (TBI) and Ongoing Influence
- Consulting for Governments, Including Fossil Fuel States: The Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI) has provided strategic advice to governments, including Saudi Arabia, a leading oil producer[7][14]. While TBI claims some of this work, such as support for COP28, was pro bono, the full extent and nature of its interests remain opaque, especially given Blair’s history with fossil fuel clients[4].
- Attempted Role in COP29: Blair and TBI have sought to advise Azerbaijan-a major gas exporter and host of COP29-on running its climate talks, despite Blair’s prior lobbying for fossil fuel projects in the region[9].
Influence on Blair’s Public Stance Toward Net Zero
Recent Public Interventions
Blair has recently called for a “reset” of net zero policies, arguing that short-term restrictions on fossil fuel production and consumption are “doomed to fail” and that current climate strategies are “irrational”[2][3][6][7][10][12]. He advocates for:
- A shift away from “purist” solutions like rapid fossil fuel phase-outs.
- Greater focus on carbon capture, nuclear energy, and technological innovation.
- Recognition that fossil fuel demand and production are rising, not falling, globally.
Potential Influence of Fossil Fuel Ties
The alignment between Blair’s public positions and the interests of fossil fuel producers is notable:
- Narrative Consistency: Blair’s argument that fossil fuel use will continue rising and that abrupt phase-outs are unrealistic mirrors the positions of fossil fuel-producing states and companies, which have a vested interest in prolonging the use of oil and gas[2][4][6][7][10][12].
- Consulting Sector Dynamics: As with other major consulting firms, TBI’s advisory work for both governments and private sector actors-including those in oil and gas-raises questions about conflicts of interest. Consulting for fossil fuel-rich states while shaping public debate on climate policy can blur the line between public and private interests[4][14].
- Criticism and Perception: Environmental groups and political commentators have criticized Blair’s interventions as providing cover for fossil fuel interests and undermining more ambitious climate action. His institute’s advisory work for Saudi Arabia and other oil states is cited as a factor that could bias his recommendations toward less disruptive, more industry-friendly climate policies[4][7][14].
Summary Table: Blair’s Fossil Fuel Links and Policy Influence
| Blair’s Role/Activity | Fossil Fuel Connection | Influence on Net Zero Stance |
|---|---|---|
| Advisor to Kuwaiti government, PetroSaudi | Direct financial ties to oil-rich states/firms | Advocates against rapid phase-out |
| Advisor for Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) | Supported major gas infrastructure | Emphasizes continued fossil demand |
| TBI consulting for Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan | Advises oil/gas-dependent governments | Promotes carbon capture, nuclear |
| Close ties with BP during/after premiership | BP influence in government and post-office links | Downplays fossil fuel “exit” urgency |
Tony Blair’s extensive consulting work for fossil fuel-producing companies and states, both through Tony Blair Associates and the Tony Blair Institute, creates a clear potential for conflicts of interest that could shape his public stance on climate policy. His recent arguments against a robust, rapid push toward net zero-favouring technological solutions and a slower transition-align closely with the interests of his past and present clients in the oil and gas sector[1][4][5][7][9][14]. This background raises questions about the impartiality of his interventions in the net zero debate and the extent to which they may be influenced by these longstanding financial and advisory relationships.
Sources
[1] Revealed: Tony Blair’s secret oil links to Middle East https://www.standard.co.uk/hp/front/revealed-tony-blair-s-secret-oil-links-to-middle-east-6703888.html
[2] Tony Blair calls for Net Zero ‘reset’ in break with Miliband – City AM https://www.cityam.com/tony-blair-calls-for-net-zero-reset-in-break-with-miliband/
[3] Labour defends net-zero policies after Blair criticism – BBC https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq80974l402o
[4] The shadow of consulting firms (and Tony Blair) on climate … https://www.renewablematter.eu/en/the-shadow-of-consulting-firms-and-tony-blair-on-climate-negotiations
[5] Tony Blair Contracts With Saudi Oil Company – Business Insider https://www.businessinsider.com/tony-blair-contracts-with-saudi-oil-company-2014-11
[6] Blair says current net zero policies ‘doomed to fail’ – BBC https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpvrwyp0jx3o
[7] Climate Policy – electricity info https://electricityinfo.org/news/climate-policy-1050/
[8] Fresh questions over Blair’s BP links | London Evening Standard https://www.standard.co.uk/hp/front/fresh-questions-over-blairs-bp-links-6333970.html
[9] Tony Blair wants to help Azerbaijan run its climate talks – Politico.eu https://www.politico.eu/article/tony-blair-seeks-climate-role-cop29-azerbaijan/
[10] No 10 defends net-zero policies after Tony Blair brands them … https://www.energyvoice.com/renewables-energy-transition/571870/net-zero-policies-tony-blair-irrational/
[11] Tony Blair has exposed an inconvenient truth about Net Zero https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/tony-blair-climate-change-net-zero-b2741287.html
[12] Tony Blair: Global Climate Policies Are Failing – Time for a Reset https://institute.global/insights/news/tony-blair-global-climate-policies-are-failing-time-for-a-reset
[13] Uncovering Tony Blair’s Relationship with Saudi Oil Company … https://www.petro-online.com/news/fuel-for-thought/13/breaking-news/uncovering-tony-blairrsquos-relationship-with-saudi-oil-company-chinese-politicians/38925
[14] COP28: Meet the top UK politicians paid big to ‘advise’ oil rich Gulf … https://democracyforsale.substack.com/p/cop28-uk-politicians-lobbying-oil-rich-gulf
[15] Why We Need to Reset Action on Climate Change – Tony Blair Institute https://institute.global/insights/climate-and-energy/the-climate-paradox-why-we-need-to-reset-action-on-climate-change
[16] COP28: Meet the top UK politicians paid big to ‘advise’ oil rich Gulf … https://democracyforsale.substack.com/p/cop28-uk-politicians-lobbying-oil-rich-gulf
[17] Tony Blair calls for major reset as net zero policies ‘doomed to fail’ https://www.agcc.co.uk/news-article/tony-blair-calls-for-major-reset-as-net-zero-policies-doomed-to-fail
[18] Strategy to cut oil and gas ‘doomed to fail,’ says Tony Blair | Upstream https://www.upstreamonline.com/energy-transition/strategy-to-cut-oil-and-gas-doomed-to-fail-says-tony-blair/2-1-1812846
[19] Why We Need to Reset Action on Climate Change – Tony Blair Institute https://institute.global/insights/climate-and-energy/the-climate-paradox-why-we-need-to-reset-action-on-climate-change
[20] No 10 defends net-zero policies after Tony Blair brands them … https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/tony-blair-government-ed-miliband-dna-downing-street-b1225009.html
[21] Climate plan based on phasing out fossil fuels doomed to fail, says … https://www.carbonbrief.org/daily-brief/climate-plan-based-on-phasing-out-fossil-fuels-doomed-to-fail-says-tony-blair/
[22] Tony Blair says Africa can’t ignore gas reserves. Science says we’ve … https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-04-06-tony-blair-says-africa-cant-ignore-gas-reserves-but-science-says-weve-run-out-of-time/
[23] Tony Blair Has Triggered A Labour Civil War By Attacking 1 Key … https://uk.news.yahoo.com/tony-blair-triggered-labour-civil-065927027.html
[24] Scaling Renewables in the AI Era: How Emerging Economies Can … https://institute.global/insights/climate-and-energy/emerging-economies-can-accelerate-energy-transition
[25] Revealed: how Tony Blair makes his millions – The Telegraph https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/tony-blair/11547808/Revealed-how-Tony-Blair-makes-his-millions.html
[26] Revealed: Tony Blair’s secret oil links to Middle East https://www.standard.co.uk/hp/front/revealed-tony-blair-s-secret-oil-links-to-middle-east-6703888.html
[27] Tony Blair’s link with Iraq oil firm kept secret by watch-dog https://oilchange.org/blogs/tony-blairs-link-with-iraq-oil-firm-kept-secret-by-watch-dog/
[28] Tony Blair wants to help Azerbaijan run its climate talks https://subscriber.politicopro.com/article/eenews/2024/04/03/tony-blair-wants-to-help-azerbaijan-run-its-climate-talks-00150166
[29] Making UK Industrial Strategy Work: A Hard-Headed Approach … https://institute.global/insights/economic-prosperity/making-uk-industrial-strategy-work-a-hard-headed-approach-guided-by-green-industry
[30] Tony Blair Associates – Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Blair_Associates
[31] ‘Tony Blair struck secret deal with Saudis to promote oil business … https://economictimes.com/news/international/world-news/tony-blair-struck-secret-deal-with-saudis-to-promote-oil-business/articleshow/45087854.cms
[32] Reimagining the UK’s Net-Zero Strategy – Tony Blair Institute https://institute.global/insights/climate-and-energy/reimagining-the-uks-net-zero-strategy
[33] Business, Government and Policy‐making Capacity: UK Energy and … https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1467-923X.13135
[34] Closing the Climate Divide: How Energy-Transition Plans Can Turn … https://institute.global/insights/climate-and-energy/closing-climate-divide-how-energy-transition-plans-can-turn-pledges-projects
[35] No 10 defends net-zero policies after Tony Blair brands them … https://www.energyvoice.com/renewables-energy-transition/571870/net-zero-policies-tony-blair-irrational/
[36] Climate Policy – electricity info https://electricityinfo.org/news/climate-policy-1050/
[37] Blair says current net zero policies ‘doomed to fail’ – BBC https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpvrwyp0jx3o
[38] Blair attacks Starmer’s net zero plans as ‘doomed to fail’ https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2025/04/29/tony-blair-starmer-net-zero-plans/
