21 December 2005
Tony Blair has reflected on the success stories of 2005 in health, education, the economy and law and order but says there it still lots of work to do.
Crime figures were down, hospital waiting lists had been reduced and exam results were better than ever, he said.
But further reform in public services would follow in 2006 as the government needed to "push ahead" with a programme of change to provide "more opportunities and higher standards".
He was speaking to journalists at his final Number 10 press conference of the year.
Topics included the EU Budget, education, "rendition", Northern Ireland and world trade.
He was also asked about civil partnerships, which began this week and allow same-sex couples to "marry". Mr Blair said he was pleased with the policy, calling it a "modern, progressive step forward", and sent his best wishes to all the couples.
Looking forward to next year, the PM said his government would publish a Respect action plan to tackle anti-social behaviour, new White Papers on primary health care and pensions, and a Green Paper on welfare reform.
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