O2 Chat: Tony Blair

PM> Hi everyone! We are now live at number 10...

.david> If you could meet anyone living or dead who would it be? David, Queensway
PM> Probably the person I am meeting tomorrow, Nelson Mandela

Kellykell> Was it really necessary to go to war in Iraq?
PM> Yes I believe it was. We have had difficulties but Iraq will become democratic

Rose> Would you stand shoulder to shoulder with George W Bush if he was to invade north Korea?
PM> He's not going to do that fortunately, but we shouldn't forget the thousands of people who die there every year.

Frank> Now that Bush has been re elected and Colin Powell replaced by Condoleezza Rice what changes would you like to see in US foreign policy?
PM> Not so much changes but intensification of efforts for peace in the Middle East. With Arafat gone and the situation unblocking in Gaza there is a real opportunity.

Boby> Is Britain prepared for a terrorist attack?
PM> As prepared as we can be, the security services are doing a great job.

Laura> When are the Black Watch coming home, will it be before Christmas?
PM> It will be before Christmas, the exact date can not be revealed for security reasons.

Turtle> I am not worried about terrorists; I am worried about burglars, muggers, car jackers and anti-social youths. My tax alone is £50k plus where does it go?
PM> That's why we got record number of police and this afternoon I will present new measures to fight drugs. We will for example test people for drugs who we arrest.

Boo> Why are you banning fox hunting?
PM> Well, I'm not, the House of Common has and its a free vote for the MPs. I wanted a compromise. This decision was genuinely left to the MPs.

Leah> Do you smoke yourself? What are your views on the smoking ban being imposed on Scotland?
PM> No, I don't smoke but I used to, for 6 or 7 years. I quit as part of the marriage deal.

Nathalie> Why not completely ban smoking in public places? What has the presence of food in a pub got to do with it?
PM> I think it's a sensible compromise.

George> Will there ever be an improvement on National Health dentists in Wales? I cannot get one anywhere, I've tried for two years?
PM> There is a problem all across the UK. We are increasing the number of people from abroad who can work as dentists and are working on training here.

Keith> With all the money being generated by the national lottery why cant we use this to improve hospitals, schools and public services?
PM> We do, some of the money goes to scanners in hospital, sports facilities etc. The lottery has to go on many different issues.

Shel> Why can't I get urgent medication that I need as my hospital says there is no money? I'm 33 and need it now not 2 years later.
PM> I am surprised of that. There is probably something we could do if we had more details. The average waiting time is however way down now, 7-8 weeks.

doherty> Why do you think its all right to send millions of pounds oversees as aid when so many things like the NHS need money now?
PM> We are putting a lot of money into the NHS. By 2008 we will be up to the average European spending. But we also need to help people overseas who are starving.

Thomas> Could child care be made affordable by allowing child care credit to pay family members or registered child minders so that mother can return to work?
PM> It can be for registered child minders. The problem if you pay every member of the family to take care of the child, there can be abuses.

cleopatra> Mr Blair, when will you be taking action on climate change, Mr Bush seems to think there is no problem. What do you think?
PM> Its a priority for us and we are meeting our targets in Britain.

dannyboy> As a 22 year old form Belfast I would like to know where do you see Northern Ireland in 10 years time?
PM> Hopefully, it will be peaceful and stable, with a govt that can include members of all parties there.

michelle> Why does the government not impose immigration restrictions like those imposed on both the Canadians and Australians.
PM> We actually do impose restrictions, for example, you can't come in this country and work if you don't have a permit.

mosquito> Where does your relationship with Gordon Brown stand? Is he a future leader of the Labour party?
PM> Its a partnership that has served this country well, he's a brilliant chancellor and would make a great PM.

Voodoo> Would you trust your wife to run the country?
PM> Well fortunately that's not a question that's arising!

Guitarplayer> What do you think of the new Band Aid song?
PM> I think it's very good and I will be buying it.

Musico> You play the guitar who would be in your all time super group?
PM> I suppose it'd be the Beatles, Clapton, Mick Jagger

Chrissi> As a guitar player what is your favorite ever guitar solo?
PM> There is a great guitar solo on "While my Guitar Gently Weeps" written by G.Harrison.

Dorothy> Is it true you do a brilliant impression of John Prescott?
PM> No, not in his presence anyway.

Teapot> Hi Tony, ID cards, why should we pay for them?
PM> The important thing to realise is we will have to change passports, many countries use biometric visas. We need to combine passports and ID cards.

Chris> During your term as Prime Minister what is the one decisional policy that you would like to be remembered for? PM> One particular thing would be to change the school system and get more children into education.

Johny> What lasting legacy do you hope to leave behind after your term in office?
PM> A more just society, opportunity for people in the UK to achieve their potential