In November 2010 former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair defended the role of religion in global affairs, in a Canadian TV debate with celebrated atheist Christopher Hitchens. br br Mr Blair, a Catholic convert, said faith was a force for good and it was "futile" to drive it out but Mr Hitchens argued otherwise. In a vote after the debate, the audience voted two-to-one in Mr Hitchens' favour.br br It was Mr. Hitchens last debate. He passed December 15th 2011.