3 December to 9 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 saw a new initiative on housing, more discussions on the EU Budget, and a special award for the PM as Statesman of the Decade…
Help up the ladder
Together with the Chancellor Mr Blair saw for himself the advantages of ’shared equity’ ownership. Gordon Brown confirmed later in the day that the scheme would be extended to help more young people onto the housing ladder.
There were many schemes outlined in the Chancellor’s Pre-Budget Report, including a plan to help young people volunteer, and another to heat poor pensioners’ homes. Meanwhile, the PM was among hundreds who attended the memorial service for Robin Cook.
Showing appreciation
Following the PM’s visits to eastern Europe, the UK proposed a new Budget deal which would see the retention of the rebate while offering more support for the new member states. The issue will be at the top of the agenda at next week’s EU summit meeting.
Mr Blair held a reception in Downing Street on Monday evening to thank those who have helped during the UK’s 2005 Presidencies of the EU and G8.
PM’s great honour
At a ceremony in London, the PM received a Statesman of the Decade award for his ‘vision and leadership’ in international affairs. He spoke about the ‘uplifting experience’ of helping the people of Iraq and Afghanistan move towards demomcracy.
During this week’s PMQs the PM spoke again about affordable housing while answering questions about a wide range of subjects, including health, education, transport and climate change.
Preparing for the EU summit
Over Thursday and Friday, the PM met with a number of European leaders in Downing Street to discuss the future financing of the EU. He also held a number of telephone conferences.
Among those visiting Number 10 were the Prime Ministers of Portugal, Sweden, Greece and Spain. The PM’s official spokesperson said ‘the possibility of a deal was worth going for’ at next week’s Council meeting.
Extra information
- The PM’s week November 26 to December 2
- The PM’s week November 19 to November 25
- The PM’s week November 12 to November 18
- The PM’s week November 5 to November 11
- The PM’s week October 29 to November 4
- The PM’s week October 22 to October 28
- The PM’s week October 15 to October 21
- The PM’s week October 8 to October 14
delicious
digg
facebook
