In 2004 Mr Blair brought Gaddafi in from the cold when the pair signed the so-called 'deal in the desert' during a highly symbolic meeting in Tripoli.
The former Prime Minister introduced a UN resolution to lift sanctions against Libya after Gaddafi agreed to compensate victims of the Lockerbie atrocity.
The rapprochement paved the way for a string of highly lucrative deals to be agreed between British companies and the oil rich state.
But many critics, particularly amongst the families of the Lockerbie victims, have questioned the wisdom and circumstances of the thaw in relations.
Any trial featuring Saif is likely to detail what compromises were reached by the UK government when the deals were signed.
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Among those who enjoyed close relations with Saif was Lord Mandelson, who as former Business Secretary is understood to have met him on a number of occasions.
He has admitted discussing the fate of Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset al Megrahi, who was released from prison in Scotland in August 2009.
The Duke of York was also a close associate of Colonel Gaddafi's most trusted son and met him in Tripoli on a number of occasions in his capacity as the UK's special representative for international trade and investment.
Other British figures whose relationship with the Libyan regime could come in for scrutiny include Nat Rothschild, the billionaire financier.
Saif is understood to have been a guest of Mr Rothschild at a number of functions he hosted including a party in New York, a shoot at his British estate and a gathering at the family villa in Corfu.
Saif forged strong links with Britain studying for his PhD at the London School of Economics.
Sir Howard Davies, resigned from his post as LSE director earlier this year, when it emerged that Saif's charitable foundation had given the college a grant of £1.5 million.
Saif, who is now being held in the northern Libyan town of Zintan, is also wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague for crimes against humanity.
However the ICC is unlikely to pursue the indictment if Saif is offered a fair trial in Libya.
Orignal From: Saif Gaddafi arrest could prove embarrassing for Tony Blair
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