01/10/2004
Blair undergoes second operation for heart 'flutter'
The Prime Minister is in hospital today to undergo a second operation to correct an irregular heartbeat, or "flutter".
Mr Blair checked into west London's Hammersmith Hospital this morning, and is expected to be sedated and brought in for the two-and-a-half hour operation after lunchtime. It is understood that he has suffered a recurrence of the heart problem, which first came to public attention last year, for the past two months.
No 10 has said that today's operation itself is minor and routine. Mr Blair told the BBC last night that he would be required only to receive local anaesthetic for the surgery.
Mr Blair also told the BBC's Andrew Marr that he intended to serve a full third term should Labour form a government after next year's general election. The news will be a bitter blow for the Chancellor Gordon Brown whose irritation at Mr Blair's staying power has been seen in more frequent and intense sniping from Brownite members of the government.
Mr Blair said: "If I am elected, I would serve a full third term. I would not serve a fourth term – I don’t think the British people would want a prime minister to go on that long. But I think its sensible to make plain my intention now."
As Labour steps up into general election mode, Mr Blair's commitment to serve out a fourth term is designed to put an end to speculation that the Prime Minister is a lame duck leader – warming a seat for Gordon Brown at No 10 until after the election.
(gmcg/mb)
Mr Blair checked into west London's Hammersmith Hospital this morning, and is expected to be sedated and brought in for the two-and-a-half hour operation after lunchtime. It is understood that he has suffered a recurrence of the heart problem, which first came to public attention last year, for the past two months.
No 10 has said that today's operation itself is minor and routine. Mr Blair told the BBC last night that he would be required only to receive local anaesthetic for the surgery.
Mr Blair also told the BBC's Andrew Marr that he intended to serve a full third term should Labour form a government after next year's general election. The news will be a bitter blow for the Chancellor Gordon Brown whose irritation at Mr Blair's staying power has been seen in more frequent and intense sniping from Brownite members of the government.
Mr Blair said: "If I am elected, I would serve a full third term. I would not serve a fourth term – I don’t think the British people would want a prime minister to go on that long. But I think its sensible to make plain my intention now."
As Labour steps up into general election mode, Mr Blair's commitment to serve out a fourth term is designed to put an end to speculation that the Prime Minister is a lame duck leader – warming a seat for Gordon Brown at No 10 until after the election.
(gmcg/mb)
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24 October 2005
Blair unveils 'pivotal' education reforms
Prime Minister Tony Blair has unveiled plans to reform Britain’s state schools, describing it as a “pivotal moment” for his government. Speaking ahead of the publication of an Education White Paper tomorrow, Mr Blair said that he wanted to offer “more power and choice for parents”, by freeing schools from the control of local authorities.
Blair unveils 'pivotal' education reforms
Prime Minister Tony Blair has unveiled plans to reform Britain’s state schools, describing it as a “pivotal moment” for his government. Speaking ahead of the publication of an Education White Paper tomorrow, Mr Blair said that he wanted to offer “more power and choice for parents”, by freeing schools from the control of local authorities.
13 May 2003
Short calls on Blair to stand down
The former International Development secretary Clare Short has called on Prime Minister Tony Blair to stand down as she launched another broadside against Number 10.
Short calls on Blair to stand down
The former International Development secretary Clare Short has called on Prime Minister Tony Blair to stand down as she launched another broadside against Number 10.
12 October 2010
Children Safeguarded In Major Operation
Twenty eight children have been safeguarded as part of a major operation carried out by the Metropolitan Police in east London this morning. The operation involved potential victims of a Romanian-based Roma gang of child traffickers.
Children Safeguarded In Major Operation
Twenty eight children have been safeguarded as part of a major operation carried out by the Metropolitan Police in east London this morning. The operation involved potential victims of a Romanian-based Roma gang of child traffickers.
04 October 2004
Blair back in No10 'fresh and alert' after heart op
The Prime Minister has arrived back at Downing Street today "feeling fresh and alert" following his heart operation last week. Mr Blair spent the weekend at Chequers – the Prime Minister's countryside retreat in Buckinghamshire – before returning to Downing Street to prepare for his visit to Africa this week.
Blair back in No10 'fresh and alert' after heart op
The Prime Minister has arrived back at Downing Street today "feeling fresh and alert" following his heart operation last week. Mr Blair spent the weekend at Chequers – the Prime Minister's countryside retreat in Buckinghamshire – before returning to Downing Street to prepare for his visit to Africa this week.
11 May 2005
Blair tells party they can win fourth term
Prime Minister Tony Blair has faced down his detractors as he met with Labour MPs for the first time since last week’s General Election. Mr Blair told MPs that Labour could win a fourth-term victory and was greeted with cheers and a standing ovation.
Blair tells party they can win fourth term
Prime Minister Tony Blair has faced down his detractors as he met with Labour MPs for the first time since last week’s General Election. Mr Blair told MPs that Labour could win a fourth-term victory and was greeted with cheers and a standing ovation.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.