Blair gives away memoirs profits to aid injured troops

The former Prime Minister is handing over the reported 4.6m advance he received for the book, A Journey, as well as any royalties.

A spokesman for Mr Blair insisted he had always intended to give the proceeds to charity to recognise the "courage and sacrifice" of the armed forces.

The money – which represents a significant chunk of Mr Blair's estimated 15m-plus fortune – will go towards the Royal British Legion's 12m Battle Back Challenge Centre, which is due to open in summer 2012.

A statement announcing the gift on the ex-Labour leader's website said: "In making this decision, Tony Blair recognises the courage and sacrifice the armed forces demonstrate day in, day out.

"As Prime Minister he witnessed that for himself in Iraq, Afghanistan, Northern Ireland, Sierra Leone and Kosovo. This is his way of honouring their courage and sacrifice."

The director-general of the Royal British Legion, Chris Simpkins, said the organisation was "delighted to accept this very generous donation".

But the Stop the War Coalition said: "Tony Blair's decision to give the money made from his memoirs to the British Legion is welcome if it means that some of those who have suffered as a direct consequence of his criminal wars will benefit.

"But no proportion of his massive and ill-gotten fortune can buy him innocence or forgiveness. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have resulted in the pointless death of hundreds of British soldiers and hundreds and thousands of innocent civilians.

"No amount of money will wash their blood from his hands."