'That is that. The end,' says Blair

Tony Blair brandished his P45 to MPs today as he bowed out of British politics saying: "That is that. The end."

The packed Commons chamber then rose to its feet with MPs on all sides - and the public galleries - giving Mr Blair an unprecedented farewell two-minute standing ovation.

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Watched by his wife Cherie, the Prime Minister appeared close to tears as he finished his final Question Time.

But as well as plaudits and tributes Mr Blair was also quizzed on Iraq and began the session by apologising for the dangers Britain's armed forces faced there and in Afghanistan.

The Prime Minister said: "I'm truly sorry about the dangers they face today in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"I know some may think they face these dangers in vain. I don't and I never will.

"I believe they are fighting for the security of this country in the wider world against people who would destroy our way of life."

Northern Ireland First Minister the Rev Ian Paisley led tributes to Mr Blair's role in bringing peace to Ulster.

He said the premier was now entering into "another colossal task" in the Middle East. He added: "I hope that what happened in Northern Ireland will be repeated."

And even Tory leader David Cameron joined the fond farewell mood saying: "For all of the heated battles across this despatch box, for 13 years he has led his party, for 10 years he has led our country, and no one can be in any doubt in terms of the huge efforts he has made in terms of public service."

Among Mr Blair's "considerable achievements", peace in Northern Ireland and his work in the developing world would long be remembered, said Mr Cameron.

And, to approving murmurs from all sides of the chamber, he added: "I am sure that life in the public eye has sometimes been tough on his family.

"So can I say on behalf of my party that we wish him and his family well and we wish him every success in whatever he does in the future."

Mrs Blair murmured approvingly: "That was nice."

Mr Blair, who will resign his Sedgefield seat when he is appointed international envoy to the Quartet group seeking to broker peace in the Middle East, closed the session with what could be his final words in parliament.

He said it was a place he had feared, and was a place for "noble causes".

Then gathering up his papers he said: "I wish everyone, friend or foe, well, and that is that. The end."

After fielding questions on Iraq and the NHS Mr Blair had earlier lightened the mood by revealing the contents of a letter which had arrived yesterday by urgent messenger.

He flourished a form, reading: "Details of employee leaving work. Surname: Blair; first name: T. It said actually: Mr, Mrs, Miss or other. This form is important to you, take good care of it, P45."

Mr Blair and his family then left the chamber and headed back to Downing Street where he said farewell to staff before heading to Buckingham Palace to resign.