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Blair visiting US for Bush talks Blair visiting US for Bush talks
(about 22 hours later)
Tony Blair is due to fly to Washington for talks with President Bush, as the prime minister prepares for his final round of international diplomacy. Tony Blair is in Washington for talks with President Bush, as the prime minister prepares for his final round of international diplomacy.
Mr Blair, who will stand down on 27 June, has said he still has much work to do on domestic and global issues.Mr Blair, who will stand down on 27 June, has said he still has much work to do on domestic and global issues.
Among the issues is this summer's G8 summit, which he is likely to discuss with Mr Bush during his trip.Among the issues is this summer's G8 summit, which he is likely to discuss with Mr Bush during his trip.
Before leaving the UK he is also expected to publish his latest policy review on support for families. Mr Blair arrived at Andrews Air Force base outside Washington before heading to the White House for a dinner.
Mr Blair will have dinner with Mr Bush on Wednesday, followed by a working session in the Oval Office on Thursday. He will stay overnight on Wednesday at the White House and take part in a working session in the Oval Office and a joint news conference on Thursday.
'Crunch point''Crunch point'
There will also be a reception at the British Embassy on Thursday, to mark the restoration of devolved government in Northern Ireland.There will also be a reception at the British Embassy on Thursday, to mark the restoration of devolved government in Northern Ireland.
The prime minister's official spokesman said: "The World Trade Organisation talks will be high on the agenda because we are approaching crunch point. The run-up to the G8 will be important, particularly on climate change." The prime minister's official spokesman said: "The World Trade Organization talks will be high on the agenda because we are approaching crunch point. The run-up to the G8 will be important, particularly on climate change."
While Tony Blair and George Bush say their last goodbyes and exchange warm tributes, the British public are right to think that their relationship has resulted in untold damage to our reputation Sir Menzies CampbellWhile Tony Blair and George Bush say their last goodbyes and exchange warm tributes, the British public are right to think that their relationship has resulted in untold damage to our reputation Sir Menzies Campbell
The G8 summit takes place in Germany in June, and Mr Blair is keen to pursue green issues and aid for Africa, as well as sending a "very clear message" on Darfur telling the Sudanese government to come into line with international, UN-backed demands.The G8 summit takes place in Germany in June, and Mr Blair is keen to pursue green issues and aid for Africa, as well as sending a "very clear message" on Darfur telling the Sudanese government to come into line with international, UN-backed demands.
Mr Blair and Mr Bush are also likely to discuss Iraq and the Middle East peace process during their talks.Mr Blair and Mr Bush are also likely to discuss Iraq and the Middle East peace process during their talks.
But Lib Dem leader Sir Menzies Campbell said: "While Tony Blair and George Bush say their last goodbyes and exchange warm tributes, the British public are right to think that their relationship has resulted in untold damage to our reputation at home and abroad."But Lib Dem leader Sir Menzies Campbell said: "While Tony Blair and George Bush say their last goodbyes and exchange warm tributes, the British public are right to think that their relationship has resulted in untold damage to our reputation at home and abroad."
He said Gordon Brown - the clear favourite to be the next prime minister - should end what he called the "slavish relationship" with the US and instead be a "candid friend".He said Gordon Brown - the clear favourite to be the next prime minister - should end what he called the "slavish relationship" with the US and instead be a "candid friend".
Mr Brown should call for the closure of Guantanamo Bay, set a target for withdrawing British troops, renegotiate reciprocal extradition laws and urge President Bush to sign up to the Kyoto treaty, he said.Mr Brown should call for the closure of Guantanamo Bay, set a target for withdrawing British troops, renegotiate reciprocal extradition laws and urge President Bush to sign up to the Kyoto treaty, he said.