Save The Children's Blair accolade savaged - by its own staff

Save The Children (STC) is facing a revolt from its own staff after it gave former prime minister Tony Blair a “global legacy award”.

Around 200 charity workers have signed a letter saying the decision to give Blair the accolade was “morally reprehensible and also endangers our credibility globally.”

It calls for it to be withdrawn and demands a review of the charity’s decision-making process.

In a global organisation like ours of thousands of people, our staff have strong views on a whole range of issues and people and we respect that diversity of views

The letter said: “We consider this award inappropriate and a betrayal to Save the Children’s founding principles and values. Management staff in the region were not communicated with nor consulted about the award and were caught by surprise with this decision.”

There is still widespread revulsion at Tony Blair’s role in the 2003 Iraq war – and a 38 Degrees petition demanding STC withdraws the award – given to him by the charity’s US arm - has attracted more than 100,000 signatures.

Figures close to the Blair government now hold influential positions in STC - UK chief executive Justin Forsyth was a special adviser to the former prime minister for three years and Jonathan Powell, Blair’s former chief of staff, is currently on the board.

STC said the award was presented because of Blair’s work on Africa and poverty.

A spokesperson said: “In a global organisation like ours of thousands of people, our staff have strong views on a whole range of issues and people and we respect that diversity of views.”