Moore attacks Blair

Film-maker Michael Moore made a stinging attack on Tony Blair yesterday at the launch of controversial documentary Fahrenheit 9/11 at the Cannes Film Festival.

Moore - whose film deals with the US war on terror - said the Prime Minister's relationship with George Bush was 'an embarrassment' to all Britons.

'What has also sort of depressed me about Tony Blair is he knows better,' said the Oscar-winning director.

'The one thing you can say about Blair is that he's smart. They make the weirdest couple I've ever seen.'

'I know he misses Bill Clinton, but to settle for this? Brits, aren't you embarrassed-Moore said Blair was 'let off lightly' in the film because he wanted to concentrate his attack on Bush.

Critics gave the documentary the longest ovation in Cannes history after its premiere yesterday, applauding for 20 minutes.

The film is certain to send shockwaves through America, with Moore hoping it will stop Mr Bush being re-elected in November.

It contains previously unseen footage of Iraqi prisoners being hooded and humiliated and shows badly wounded US soldiers and civilians.