22 October to 28 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 started with an education focus for the PM, as the government published its new White Paper, before the emphasis shifted to European issues with a major summit in London.
Education, education, education
Tony Blair’s week began with a meeting with Maltese Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi in Downing Street before José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, arrived to discuss the challenges of globalisation.
That afternoon, the PM gave a major speech on education from inside Number 10.
Mr Blair said he wanted to offer ‘more power and choice for parents’, as well as personalised lessons and improved discipline, as he previewed the latest education White Paper (opens in new window)
60 years of the UN
The PM also attended a special service at St Paul’s Cathedral to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the United Nations.
The Downing Street website launched a new film on city academies to mark the launch of the White Paper, with a focus on the City Academy Bristol and its inspiration Principal Ray Priest.
Mr Blair has spoken about the success of academies and how they can point the direction for how schools should run.
Royal visitors
Norway is celebrating 100 years of independence this year, so members of their Royal family visited Number 10 after meeting with the Queen.
Leader of the House Geoff Hoon took PMQs this week because the PM was in Strasbourg to address the European Parliament.
There, Mr Blair told MEPs that it was time to get Europe ‘moving in the right direction.’ While in Strasbourg, the PM also met with a number of European politicians.
Spotlight on European future
The following day European Union leaders gathered in London to attend an informal summit. The UK holds the EU Presidency until December.
At a press conference afterwards, the PM said the talks had been constructive and had taken place in a ‘good spirit and a good mood’.
Among the issues talked about by the leaders were the discussion papers published by the government on some of the biggest challenges facing Europe.
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