17 April 2007
Tony Blair answered questions about the rise in inflation, public services, Iran, Britain’s relationship with the US, pensions and city academies during his monthly briefing.
In his opening statement, the PM spoke about Britain’s role in the world as the third policy review paper was published.
He also offered his condolences to the American people following the shootings which left 33 students dead on a Virginia campus. The PM said he was shocked by the news.
Image copyright: Reuters
Some PM comments from the briefing
On climate change
“The only way that we are going to combat effectively the threat to our environment will be if we manage to get a deal following the expiry of the Kyoto Protocol in 2012 that involves China and America and India as well as the countries in Europe.”
On Iran
“I think it is a great shame if we can’t have a better and more reasonable dialogue with the government and we stand ready to have that dialogue if they want it.”
On pensions
“The reason why you have pensions problems here and in every other major industrialised country is very simple, people are living longer.”
On Britain’s relationship with the United States
“I happen to believe that our strategic relationship with the United States has served this country well for many, many decades and it should continue to serve us well.”
About the monthly press conferences
Once a month while Parliament is in session, the PM answers questions from local, national and international journalists inside the State Dining Room of 10 Downing Street.
The session usually lasts an hour and Mr Blair has no prior notification of the questions. He is the first Prime Minister to hold such regular sessions.
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