PM addresses six key areas of reform for Britain

29 November 2005

The UK can succeed as a 'dynamic, open, knowledge-based economy' as the world changes rapidly around it, Tony Blair said today.

Addressing business leaders at the CBI conference, the PM praised the 'British economic model' which had led to low unemployment and investment in public services.

But the country was at a 'critical juncture' and faced six elements of reform which needed to be tackled.

• Read the PM's speech in full

Public services have to be driven by the wishes of the users, not the provider he said.  A new system to offer retirement support for an ageing population is needed and the transport infrastructure was a major challenge, with road pricing one option.

Mr Blair also said skills, energy and deregulation needed urgent attention.

He concluded by saying:

"Difficult decisions provoke difficult reactions.  But we should end on a note of optimism.  Britain has weathered the storms of the past decade better than most."

Before the PM's speech anti-nuclear protestors scaled the roof of the conference hall, leading to a change of venue.

Useful links

• Energy policy 'back with a vengeance' says PM
• See our Big Issues section
• Confederation of British Industry (opens in new window)