26 November to 2 December
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 has seen Mr Blair attend several important overseas summits, deliver a key policy speech to the CBI, and announce a major funding package to tackle Aids. However his recent discussions on the EU budget have dominated proceedings.
Warning over trade
Over last weekend, the PM attended the Commonwealth Heads meeting in Malta before heading to Spain to co-chair the Euromed summit in Barcelona.
He met with the Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas where he welcomed the opening of the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt. Mr Blair also spoke about fair trade and commented on the UK’s response to the Pakistani earthquake.
Energy matters
On Tuesday the PM took the opportunity to launch a wide-ranging energy review. Protestors delayed the start of his speech, but Mr Blair changed venues to speak about the six reform priorities facing the government.
Later in the day, Mr Blair met relatives of the victims of the Omagh bombings, who are calling for a cross-border judicial inquiry into the atrocity.
Pensions at PMQs
At PMQs this week, the PM welcomed the Turner Report on pensions, while fielding questions on subjects such as health, the economy and the police.
Alongside England keeper David James, the PM helped kick off World Aids Day at a school in Essex. Helping Africa has been one of the main priorities of the UK’s G8 Presidency.
Negotiating the budget
On Thursday Mr Blair announced a £27.5 million funding boost for global HIV/Aids research whilst in Europe for talks with the Ukrainian government.
The PM then continued his tour of eastern Europe to negotiate the EU budget with the leaders of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
Talks continue
The Prime Minister met with the leaders of Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia on Friday as he continued negotiations on the EU budget.
In an interview with Sky television on the EU budget, Mr Blair insisted that the UK would only pay its fair share of EU costs.
delicious
digg
facebook
