Tony Blair and Gordon Brown attended the service but left out of a back entrance of St Paul ’ s to avoid coming face to face with the families of those who died in Afghanistan . Mr Blair , the prime minister who took Britain to war , and his successor left several minutes before the other guests , escorted by bodyguards to separate BMW saloons . Relatives had reacted with fury last week when told Mr Blair and Mr Brown would be among the congregation , with one saying Mr Blair has ‘ got blood on his hands ’ . Meanwhile , inside the cathedral , Labour leader Ed Miliband , was seen rubbing his eyes and cupping his head in his hand before he appeared to drop off to sleep . A spokesman for Mr Blair said he had to leave quickly to fly to an economic conference in Egypt . A Labour spokesman said : 'To suggest Ed fell asleep during the Afghanistan memorial service yesterday is categorically untrue . It is deeply offensive to both our Armed Forces and to Ed . ' Out of line : Ed Miliband seems to duck down as he stands with Prime Minister David Cameron and Nick Clegg . Feeling tired ? Mr Miliband rubs his eyes , cups his head in his hand and then appears to drop off . Quick exit : Former prime ministers Gordon Brown ( left ) and Tony Blair at Friday 's commemoration .
Mr St Paul 's and Mr Brown among congregation but left out of back entrance . Relatives reacted with fury when told former PMs would be attending . Inside Blair Cathedral Ed Miliband appeared to drop off to sleep .