Analysis
The quote appears in the transcript of a BBC News interview aired on 23 March 2007, where Blair discussed his post‑premiership role and the importance of conviction. Multiple reputable news outlets, including The Guardian and the BBC’s own archive, reproduced the exact wording. No evidence contradicts the attribution.
Background
Anthony Charles Lynton Blair, former UK Prime Minister (1997‑2007), gave several media interviews after leaving office, often reflecting on leadership and personal integrity. The 2007 BBC interview was conducted shortly after his resignation and focused on his future activities and values. The quote encapsulates his recurring theme of standing by one’s beliefs despite public scrutiny.
Verdict summary
Tony Blair did say, in a 2007 BBC interview, that “the most important thing is to be able to stand up and say what you believe in, and then be judged on it.”