This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk_politics/6520859.stm

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
Blair starts English polls push Blair starts English polls push
(about 3 hours later)
A strong economy is the basis for a prosperous and fair society, Tony Blair said as he launched Labour's campaign for the English local elections.A strong economy is the basis for a prosperous and fair society, Tony Blair said as he launched Labour's campaign for the English local elections.
The PM said 10 years of investment in local communities by Labour had, among other achievements, improved schools, health and transport, and cut crime. He said 10 years of investment in local communities by Labour had, among other achievements, improved schools, health and transport, and cut crime.
He said anti-social behaviour was a key issue for voters and Labour had worked hard to push through laws to tackle it. Visiting Nottingham with Gordon Brown, his likely successor, he praised the chancellor's economic record.
The Tories and Lib Dems have also been focusing campaigning on law and order. The Tories and Lib Dems have also been focusing on law and order.
Visiting Nottingham with Gordon Brown, Mr Blair praised the chancellor's stewardship of the economy which had become "one of the strongest in the world". Mr Blair said Mr Brown's stewardship of the economy had become "one of the strongest in the world" and was the foundation of Labour's investment in public services.
In an earlier e-mail to activists, Mr Blair said: "We have made communities more secure, wealthier, fairer and... happier." If people took a step back and looked at the record, particularly on things like anti-social behaviour we'll be fine Tony Blair
We are a party who has achieved so much and have even more to do Tony Blair class="" href="/1/hi/uk_politics/6520855.stm">Tories reveal police plans class="" href="/1/hi/uk_politics/6520975.stm">Reject Labour, say Lib Dems class="" href="/1/hi/uk_politics/6518947.stm">Q&A: The 2007 elections "We've never had a Labour chancellor who's delivered that sort of economic record, in fact we've never had a chancellor of any party who has delivered that sort of economic record," he said.
They launched their campaign in Nottingham, a city that has been Labour- controlled for 20 years but which the party is in danger of losing.
However, Mr Blair said he did not think Labour would face heavy losses because of issues like Iraq or the current pensions debate.
"If people took a step back and looked at the record, particularly on things like anti-social behaviour, we'll be fine," he said.
Longbridge visit
Mr Brown added: "What the voters of this country are saying is they want economic progress, better public services and their quality of life to improve.
"When we are building for the future, we are building on success."
Both men later headed to Longbridge in Birmingham, where they visited an employment scheme to help former Rover workers - more than 6,000 people lost their jobs when the plant closed in April 2005.
Of the 6,346 employees who lost their jobs only 260, or 4%, have not yet found work, although many people had to look outside the engineering sector for jobs.
I suggest the commentators doing us down haven't been out on the streets Jack Straw Tories reveal police plans Reject Labour, say Lib Dems Q&A: The 2007 elections
Meanwhile Home Secretary John Reid and Commons leader Jack Straw visited Blackburn to launch the campaign in the North West.
Both denied predictions that the party faces heavy losses on 3 May.
Mr Straw, who is also heading Mr Brown's leadership bid, said: "We've faced similar predictions before, gone out into the communities as we are doing and found the confidence in Labour about how we can improve people's lives is there.
"I suggest the commentators doing us down haven't been out on the streets."
The elections take place in 312 local authorities on 3 May, with those for the Scottish Assembly and Welsh Assembly being held the same day.The elections take place in 312 local authorities on 3 May, with those for the Scottish Assembly and Welsh Assembly being held the same day.
Mr Blair, who has said he will leave office this year, is expected to announce a departure date shortly after the results are known.Mr Blair, who has said he will leave office this year, is expected to announce a departure date shortly after the results are known.
He told party activists that "human capital was the single greatest asset" the country had, and it was important to create a successful society where people had hope and opportunity.
In his e-mail, Mr Blair said: "What the public wants to know is that we have the determination, the policies and the ambition to keep improving their lives.
"They are looking for optimism and hope from Labour. We should give it to them. We are a party who has achieved so much and have even more to do."
Plans for future
He told them he had had "the huge privilege of leading Labour into every campaign for 12 years".
"Over the years our party has worked successfully to make Britain fairer and more prosperous. We have also changed the electoral battleground.
"But what's not changed is my enthusiasm for getting our achievements and plans for the future across."
The Liberal Democrats also launched their campaign on Tuesday.The Liberal Democrats also launched their campaign on Tuesday.
Leader Sir Menzies Campbell emphasised the success Lib Dem councils have already had in cutting crime locally.Leader Sir Menzies Campbell emphasised the success Lib Dem councils have already had in cutting crime locally.
The Conservatives have not staged a campaign launch, but did unveil plans for police reform on Tuesday.The Conservatives have not staged a campaign launch, but did unveil plans for police reform on Tuesday.