Labour’s website reports:
This week marks the 70th anniversary of the beginning of one of the darkest periods in European history – the Spanish Civil War.
Marking the anniversary, Tony Blair said:
“There are few alive today who fought in that war but I want to pay tribute to those who did decide to risk so much in the fight against dictatorship – from the writers like George Orwell to the trade unionists like Jack Jones. They lost that war, though the greater cause – the defeat of fascism – was finally won.
“Today Spain is a strong democratic state and a strong partner for Britain in Europe. Its example shows that even after the most oppressive periods and the greatest suffering reconciliation and democracy can flourish.
“The legacy of the conflict, one where the spirit of internationalism shone through, has lessons for us all today.”