As the number has topped 100,000, it could mean MPs debating whether the former Labour prime minister, 68, should have the honour rescinded.

       Northern Ireland veterans branded it an "insult", while military mothers threatened to return Elizabeth Crosses - given to bereaved families.

       Sir Tony was made a Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, an honour bestowed on all bar one of his predecessors. The exception was Alec Douglas-Home, who got the Order of theThistle.

       The Northern Ireland Veterans Movement called Blair's award a huge insult.

       In a letter, co-spokesman Paul Young said: "He is the architect of the legislation which resulted in terrorists being released from prison, being issued 'letters of comfort' and royal pardons on an industrial scale, whilst at the same time deliberately excluding any protection to our Armed Forces who served in Northern Ireland.

       "This man is detested by the UK veteran community because of his deliberate actions in the continued appeasement of Sinn Fein/IRA.

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