Blairs launch privacy complaint

The Blairs have tried to guard their children's privacy

Tony and Cherie Blair have complained for a second time about newspaper stories about their children's education, it has emerged.

No 10 says the prime minister and his wife have gone to the Press Complaints' Commission (PCC) about a Sunday Express story about their son Nicky.

The PCC ruled in 2002 that two newspapers had "unnecessarily intruded" on their elder son Euan's privacy.

That ruling was over stories about Euan's university application.

Downing Street has asked the media not to repeat the story about 18-year-old Nicky when they report the new complaint.

The previous complaint was over articles about Euan in the Daily Telegraph and Daily Mail.

Mediation first

A PCC spokesman said a complaint had been received about the 14 March article in the Sunday Express.

The commission would initially act as a mediator between the two parties, he said, and only make a ruling if no agreement could be reached.

No timetable has been set for a decision, but the PCC says its cases take an average of 32 days to resolve.

The Blairs have been protective of their family's privacy since entering Downing Street in 1997. They say the children should be able to grow up outside the media glare.