When Tony Blair interceded for the tobacco industry with Berlusconi

A Times article, drawing on the British National Archives, sheds light on the role played by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair in the takeover of the Italian state-owned tobacco company by British American Tobacco (BAT) in the early 2000s.[1].

Tony Blair, a "very useful" ally for British American Tobacco

In its article, the Times indicates that Martin Broughton, then CEO of British American Tobacco, sent a letter to Tony Blair in August 2002 to urge him to address the issue of privatizing Ente Tabacchi Italiani (ETI), the Italian national tobacco board, on the occasion of the wedding of the daughter of the Spanish Prime Minister at the time, José María Aznar. For several years, the Italian public authorities, like France, had been engaged in a series of privatizations, whether in the telecommunications or aeronautics sectors, for example. With this in mind, following Silvio Berlusconi's decision, the Italian Treasury had launched a call for tenders in July 2002 for the sale of ETI, which was expected to bring in 1.5 billion euros for the State, according to the former Prime Minister's forecasts.[2]. In his letter, the BAT CEO mentioned to Tony Blair that his intercession in favor of the manufacturer's application would be "very useful" to him. According to the Times, the request from British American Tobacco, transmitted to Tony Blair via his foreign secretary, Matthew Rycroft, was personally supported by the latter, suggesting to the British Prime Minister to convince Silvio Berlusconi to structure the call for tenders on terms favorable to the manufacturer.

A decisive support in BAT's commercial strategy in Italy

As the Times reports, BAT's lobbying strategy paid off, as the tobacco company's acquisition of the ETI was finalised a year later for €2.3 billion. Two days after the announcement of the acquisition by British American Tobacco, Martin Broughton sent a new letter to Tony Blair, telling him that he was "delighted to make an investment of such strategic and financial importance in Italy", and thanking the Prime Minister for the "very professional assistance" of the British Embassy. British American Tobacco's acquisition of the state monopoly allowed the manufacturer to consolidate its presence in Italy. As a result, BAT currently holds 27% of the tobacco market share in the country, ranking second behind Philip Morris International.

Tony Blair's long-standing 'friendly' relationship with the tobacco industry

In 2008, secret documents revealed by the Sunday Telegraph highlighted the leading role Tony Blair played in his first months in office in securing an exemption from the tobacco ban for Formula One, which has historically been linked to manufacturers. Although the former prime minister denied being influenced by private interests, Blair's request came the day after he met Bernie Ecclestone, F1's long-time owner and Labour's biggest donor.[3]. More generally, an article in the Guardian denounced Tony Blair's proximity to the tobacco industry as early as the 2000s, and a privileged interlocutor of manufacturers with a view to blocking public health policies. Thus, internal documents from the tobacco industry show that Tony Blair was considered a priority and "friendly" target of the sector, as well as a "pro-smoker".[4].

FT

[1] The Times, Tony Blair lobbied Berlusconi on behalf of British American Tobacco, 03/02/2025, (accessed the same day)

[2] The Echoes, Italy privatizes national tobacco office, 07/31/2002, (accessed 02/03/2025)

[3] The Guardian, Blair intervened over F1 tobacco ban exemption, documents show, 12/10/2008, (accessed 03/02/2025)

[4][4] The Guardian, Tobacco lobby targeted Blair as 'smoker friendly', 10/31/2004, (accessed 02/03/2025)

National Committee Against Smoking |