Tony Blair takes advisory role

Former prime minister Tony Blair has signed an advisory agreement with Swiss finance firm Zurich Financial Services.

Mr Blair will advise the firm on its climate initiative as well as assisting chief executive James Schiro on international politics.

"I'm very pleased to be taking on this role advising Zurich and in particular supporting its climate initiative," the former Labour leader said in a statement today.

"There is a consensus now that the challenge of climate change is real and what we need now are policy solutions to turn that concern into action."

The position will be Mr Blair's second advisory role since leaving Downing Street; he signed a reported £500,000-a-year deal with JP Morgan three weeks ago with similar responsibilities.

Mr Schiro said of the latest appointment: "We are excited about the considerable expertise and experience that Tony Blair brings to Zurich's group management in his role as strategic advisor.

"His appointment sits alongside other initiatives where Zurich has partnered with external thought leaders to challenge and enhance our operational and strategic thinking."

The former prime minister is currently working as a Middle East envoy on behalf of the US, Russia, the UN and the EU.