15 October to 21 October
Here we reflect on some of the main business carried out by Tony Blair this week. You will find a number of links within the text which will take you to the relevant story, transcript or photo gallery - as well as a few external links which you may find useful.
This week the PM had a education focus to much of his activities, as the government prepares to publish its new White Paper.
Encouraged by Iraqi referendum
Over the weekend Mr Blair met with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice at Chequers, where they discussed the Iraqi referendum on its proposed constitution, which took place on Saturday.
The PM said he was ‘greatly encouraged’ by the 60 per cent turn out. If the constitution is approved, it will be ratified and elections will be on course to be held by the 15 December, with a new government sworn in by 31 December.
Talks on the European Union
On Monday the PM greeted Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko for talks in Downing Street. The two leaders spoke about European and regional issues, especially how to develop Ukraine’s ties with the EU. Later Mr Yushchenko received a special award from the Queen (opens in new window)
The PM travelled to Birmingham the next day to visit the Bournville School and Sixth Form Centre - an improving school which has recently opened a dedicated unit for children with special educational needs.
Tackling dodgy school meals
Back in Number 10, an delegation from the SDLP met him and Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain to discuss the province’s institutions.
During this week’s Prime Minister’s Question Time the PM answered questions on topics as diverse as council tax, nuclear weapons and cancer treatment.
Responding to a question on childhood obesity, Mr Blair said he was ‘determined’ to improve school meals to help with youngster’s education.
Best exam results in a decade
On Thursday the PM made the short journey to Streatham in south London on the day that the full GCSE results for 2005 were published.
Alongside Education Secretary Ruth Kelly, Mr Blair met pupils and parents at the Dunraven School in Streatham and thanked teachers for giving youngsters ‘the education they need and deserve.’
He then held a round-table discussion with students and staff and answered questions.
Getting ready for Hampton Court
Back at Number 10, the PM met Chinese businessmen before holding talks with the president of the National Farmers Union to discuss the latest situation with Avian Flu.
The PM also issued his invitation to EU leaders for next week’s EU summit which gave details on what would be discussed during the day of talks at Hampton Court.
He said he was looking forward to having ‘a genuinely open, informal debate’ on the big questions facing Europe. The UK currently has presidency of the European Union (opens in new window)
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