12 November to 18 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.
During a busy week, the PM delivered major speeches on foreign policy and education, spoke about climate change and Iraq, listened to young Muslims in Yorkshire and took part in Children in Need…
Lest we forget
On Remembrance Sunday the PM joined million of mourners who paid their respects to those who lost their lives defending the UK. He laid a wreath at the Cenotaph in London at a service led by the queen (opens in new window).
The Iraqi vice-president Adil Abdul Mahdi dropped in to Number Ten for talks. The country is due to hold elections next month, but British troops will remain there ‘until the job was done’, Mr Blair insisted.
Fair trade for all
At the Lord Mayor’s Banquet on Monday evening Mr Blair spoke about the challenges faced by the world, such as terrorism, poverty and climate change. Aid for trade could provide benefits for all, he said.
There was an early start on Tuesday as the PM hosted a breakfast meeting in Downing Street to discuss the tourism opportunities of the 2012 London Olympic Games. Industry figures looked at the success of the Sydney Games as a role model.
Boost for Africa
In PMQs this week the PM was asked about the usual variety of subjects, and took the time to re-iterate his commitment to tackling climate change during the UK’s G8 Presidency year.
The other main priority for G8 year was Africa, and on Thursday the PM announced a major new trade boost for the continent, aimed at improving infrastructure and boosting trade.
Warm welcome
Later that day, after attending a special Lifesavers event in Downing Street, Mr Blair headed to Yorkshire to visit a Sure Start centre in Leeds. While there he saw how this government initiative is helping young kids and their parents.
He then made a trip to a local community centre, where he chatted with young Muslims about extremism, education, the role of religion and the way the media report terrorism and Islam.
Restless for change
Returning to his Sedgefield constituency, the PM delivered a major speech on education. He said a ‘once in a generation’ opportunity existed to improve Britain’s school. Mr Blair defended the government’s recently-published education white paper (opens in new window).
Tony Blair also joined the fundraising extravaganza Children in Need alongside impressionist Jon Culshaw…who appeared as Tony Blair!
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