5 November to 11 November
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 saw the visit of the Chinese president, a memorial for a former PM, defeat for the government on the terror laws and a chance to hear Mr Blair’s footballing views.
PM on the ball
On Saturday Tony Blair took time out to appear on the soccer magazine show, Football Focus. He spoke about his favourite players and gave his opinions on the state of the game (opens in new window)
On Monday, the PM held his monthly press conference at Number Ten. The question and answer session was dominated by the controversy over the new terror law. The PM also spoke about the challenge of reforming public services.
Saying thank you
The PM hosted an evening reception for the 7/7 emergency service workers this week. Mr Blair spoke about the ‘courage and bravery’ that had been shown on the day of the London bombings.
There was also a poignant reminder of the past when the PM and Mrs Blair attended the memorial service for Sir Edward Heath. The former Prime Minister led the country for nearly four years in the 1970s.
Dignified visitors
The outgoing Polish President Aleksander Kwasniewski dropped in for talks on Tuesday. Later in the day the PM was on hand to greet Chinese President Hu and his wife as they received their official welcome from the Queen on the first day of their state visit (opens in new window)
The PM held talks with President Hu in Number Ten. After their discussions, the leaders announced a number of business deals to strengthen trade ties between the two countries.
Regret over terror defeat
During this week’s PMQs, Mr Blair again gave a defence of the government’s plan to detain terror suspects with charge for 90 days. But MPs decided to reject the proposal, settling on a compromise of 28 days instead.
The PM said he ‘hoped MPs didn’t live to regret’ their decision. Meanwhile, in the Middle East, after more than 50 people were killed in Jordan by three suicide blasts, the PM told Jordan that ‘we stand together’ in the fight against terror.
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