Key points: Blair news conference

Here are the key points of Tony Blair's monthly news conference on 29 November, 2004:

David Blunkett allegations

Mr Blair said all politicians were entitled to a private life and he had no doubt that Mr Blunkett would be exonerated over claims that he abused his position to help to help his ex-lover, Kimberly Quinn.

The prime minister insisted he had "absolutely every confidence" in Mr Blunkett, saying: "He has been, is and will continue to be a first class home secretary."

ID cards

With the ID cards bill being published on Monday afternoon, Mr Blair argued the scheme would "protect rather than erode civil liberties".

The cards would help secure the UK's borders, tackle crime and ensure public services were not abused.

Those misusing the ID cards database would face tough penalties, he said, with anybody convicted of tampering with it jailed for up to 10 years.

Any staff involved in administering the scheme who improperly disclosed information would face up to two years in jail.

Iraq and the Black Watch

Mr Blair urged the media to give more coverage to positive developments in Iraq and said the Iraqi elections would create a "completely different atmosphere."

There were no plans to send extra British troops to Iraq, he said, arguing that the focus was on building up the capability of Iraq forces.

Mr Blair insisted no decision had been made on the future of the Black Watch and other historic regiments, amid fears they could be merged.

He admitted the move could be a political decision but ministers would work with the Army to get the right solution.

"It is not the case that politicians are trying to push the Army in a particular direction," he added.

Gordon Brown

The prime minister said he was "mystified" by stories about him sidelining his chancellor and said they were working closely ahead of next week's pre-Budget report.

Mr Blair denied Mr Brown had claimed the British economy was superior to others in Europe but he argued Labour should be proud of its economic record.

Election date

There is speculation the next general election will be on 5 May 2005.

Mr Blair celebrates his 52nd birthday on 6 May but said he had no plans to mark the occasion a day earlier. He expected to be in the North East - on a routine constituency visit.

Middle East

There was a "window of opportunity" in the next few weeks for the Middle East peace process, said Mr Blair.

"My preoccupation is to make sure that we have a clear way forward for a proper, functioning Palestinian state based on the principles of democracy, transparency, freedom, security - not just for the Palestinians themselves, but obviously for Israel too," he said.