Blair Backs Labour Campaign

Tony Blair has today officially backed the campaign for a forth Labour term in Government.

The former prime minister addressed party delegates at his former constituency in Sedgefield just ahead of the forthcoming general election being officially called.

Many predict Gordon Brown will request the Queen dissolves Parliament next week to make way for a 6th May polling day.

His predecessor, Mr Blair, this morning paid tribute to the robust leadership shown during the recession and current economic recovery.

Mr Blair conceded the road ahead was still problematic, but that "the storm has subsided".

"At the moment of peril the world acted. Britain acted. The decision to act, required experience, judgement and boldness. It required leadership. Gordon Brown supplied it," he said.

"Since then, Gordon and [Chancellor] Alistair Darling have been striving to keep the country moving, capable of meeting not just future challenges, but seizing future opportunities."

Mr Blair praised the actions highlighted in last week's Budget and said scheme such as Business Secretary Lord Mandelson's 'New Industries, New Jobs' provide a "platform for the hope of prosperity".

He attacked the Tories' decision to align themselves with a far right group in Europe. A move which Mr Blair said could be seen as "forfeiting goodwill" between the UK and nations such as France and Germany, should David Cameron occupy 10 Downing Street.

Mr Blair said of Tory policy: "Everywhere you look, where you want certainty, you get confusion."

He continued "This country faces big challenges in the futures. I want this party (Labour) to be the one able to meet those challenges."

"This country needs strong leadership. I want our leadership to be the one that gives it. There is still vast potential and promise in our nation. I want our government to be the one that develops it," said the former PM, adding: "I believe a fourth term Labour Government can deliver it."

(PR/BMcC)