London
British Prime Minister Tony Blair was hospitalized with chest pains this week, the first time he’d been sick since he took office six years ago. He was given a small electric shock to regulate his heartbeat and released after just five hours; doctors said his ailment was very minor and not linked to stress. But British newspapers said the incident showed that the 50-year-old fitness buff must be feeling the strain of the past year. Blair’s insistence on allying Britain with the U.S. in the Iraq war drew massive and passionate public opposition. And even his own Labor Party members have blamed him for Britain’s failing health and social services. Heart trouble seems particularly ominous because Blair came to the party leadership after his predecessor, John Smith, dropped dead of a heart attack at age 55.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
5 low ratings cartoons about the Late Show cancellationCartoons Artists take on early warning signs, the Gen Z stare, and more
-
Connie Francis: Superstar of the early 1960s pop sceneIn the Spotlight The 'Pretty Little Baby' and 'Stupid Cupid' singer has died aged 87
-
Crossword: July 26, 2025The Week's daily crossword puzzle
