British Prime Minister Tony Blair has announced he’ll step down next month after more than a decade in office.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair: “So, I’ve come back here to Sedgefield to my constituency, where my political journey began and where it’s fitting it should end. Today, I announce my decision to stand down from the leadership of the Labour Party. The party will now select a new leader. On June 27, I will tender my resignation from the office of prime minister to the queen.”

Blair will stay on until the Labour Party elects a new leader, widely expected to be Finance Minister Gordon Brown. While Blair’s announcement drew praise from leaders around the world, critics say he will be remembered for following President Bush into an unnecessary war. This is Brian Haw, an antiwar protester who has camped outside the British Parliament for nearly six years.

Brian Haw: “I voted for Mr. Tony Blair the first time along with many people in my country. He was the big white hope, wasn’t he? After Thatcher, the warmonger, and we hoped for something better, didn’t we? ’I’m Christian Tony, I am going to do right by everyone.’ Have you seen what he’s done?”

Meanwhile in Iraq, a Basra resident identified by his first name Mahmoud said Blair’s departure was of little consequence.

Mahmoud: “The issue is not his resignation. The British military bases will remain. I do not think they will leave the Basra province. They’ve built bases in Shuaiba and in many other centers of other areas.”