PM press conference - June

Tony Blair opened his summer's day press conference by reaffirming his decision to use military force to depose Saddam Hussain.

He went on to eulogise about the improvements in public services and the ongoing programme of change - a vision that would not be dimmed by Europe.

Andrew Marr for the BBC

Are the 2.7 million who voted for UKIP in the European elections deluded? You say you have to win the European argument, but when?

People expected us to have a referendum on the single currency. We are not ready for this because the economic conditions have not been met.

We also have an opportunity to make the arguments over the constitution. I believe passionately that Britain's place is at the centre of Europe and it would be an act of extraordinary foolishness to withdraw.

Nick Robinson for ITN

What have you learnt? What are you going to change? If the current constitution deal is the same, will you reject it?

I'm reasonably optimistic that we'll negotiate the agreement we want. The values that underpin our 1997 programme remain the same: a strong economy, the banishment of mass unemployment, public services free on the point of use. These are still the issues which motivate me. I have to persuade people of this, particularly in a circumstance where international issues have dominated the agenda.

Adam Boulton for Sky

The majority of voters supported parties opposed to the constitution. Do you think you have a mandate for it?

We have said that if we agree a treaty it will ultimately be put to the British people in a referendum. People want to know that the say will ultimately be with them.

I think it is important for us to negotiate a treaty that will allow us to retain the powers we want but will also allow the enlarged EU of 25 countries to work efficiently.

Trevor Kavanagh for the Sun

You have dismissed Euro-phobes and sceptics but they make up a large proportion of the public. How can you justify signing up for a treaty which is covered in your red lines?

I don't dismiss people at all. Politics is about having a debate and Europe is an important issue.

I happen to think that scepticism is the wrong position. I believe that the advantages of membership far out-weigh leaving. Let the issue be decided by a genuine debate on the reality of the treaty agreed.

Andy Bell for Channel 5

Do you believe that the pooling of sovereignty is a way forward?

In some areas it is essential e.g. we cannot reform EU agricultural policy if the veto is retained.

Oonagh Blackman for the Mirror

What are your views of the Governor of the Bank of England's view on interest rates?

My speculation is probably not that helpful - his words speak for themselves.

King has said that household debt is secured on overpriced houses and you are saying that it's the Bank of England's problem?

I'm saying that it is the Bank's responsibility to set interest rates. We have a strong economy, compared to where we were 10 to12 years ago with negative equity etc.

Scotsman

Are you happy that the government has done all it can for the people of Darfur in Sudan?

We are doing our best but we are seeing what else we can do and we are the second biggest bilateral donor to Sudan.

It is an important issue and Hilary Benn went there a couple of days ago to reassess that our contribution.

Egyptian News

The new leader of Iraq has been announcing his relationship with CIA and MI6. What is the reason for creating distrust in the Arab world? How can you assure Middle East that you haven't planted a spy?

Most people recognise that he is a patriot of Iraq who is trying to do his best for the country. He has been chosen to lead by the UN because he is the best person to do this.

Mark Mardell for the BBC

What is choice going to mean to my three kids in primary school?

The more quality and diversion generated will increase choice, such as beacon schools and faith schools.

The government intends to move away from traditional comprehensives towards specialist schools which are levering up higher standards.

And Labour will provide choice for free inside the NHS, compared to the Tories proposed voucher system

I can't tell what the Conservative education policy is, and from their statements it seems they don't appear to know either.

Elinor Goodman for Channel 4

You have stressed the importance of the Bank of England. Why do you think it might be right to hand over decision of interest rates to a body that would look at the criteria Europe-wide?

If interest rates were lower in Europe and if the economic conditions are there then the single currency is the right thing to do.

LBC

Do the election results show that the public have stopped listening to you?

Iraq was obviously an issue, though it is important to express how it was an issue.

The other part of it is that people want to know that I'm interested in domestic affairs.

Robin Oakley for CNN

You say that you want to see a constitution that will work effectively. Is that possible without more majority voting?

I don't believe that its right for us to lose the ability to say no to any proposal for tax and social security harmonisation.

We have already agreed greater qualified majority voting (QMV) over a variety of subjects, but I don't see the need for it on every issue.

It's hard for me to concede the issue on tax and Europe or the UK.

Colin Brown for the Independent

Are you happy to see an EU Foreign Minister and happy to make Peter Mandelson the commissioner?

I'll pass on the question of the commissioner.

We have the High Representative on Foreign Policy and that will remain.

None of the main countries want to see a foreign minister.

Patrick O' Flyn for the Express

Is the explosion of St George's cross a welcome re-appropriation? Why don't government buildings fly the flag?

We probably fly the British flag because we are the UK Government. I don't think that the flying of flags is unsurprising due to the Euro 2004 tournament.

Patrick Wintour for the Guardian

Are 5 years plans another example of targets? Or is it another confrontation with the party by emphasising diversity in the public services?

We have to do the right thing by the country. This is a Labour Government that has delivered the biggest ever programme to tackle unemployment.

It is the only government in the Western world to be increasing health and education spending as part of the GDP.

We have helped out those in low incomes and pensioners, which are traditional Labour aims.

The basic position of New Labour is to run a strong economy with good relations with business but also to provide opportunities for the many not the few.

Newcastle Journal

What do you think about the Newcastle result?

The most important thing is that we replicate Sheffield and make wins back from the Liberal Democrats as people see through their rhetoric.