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News of Jan
3, 2007
Blair Cites India Challenge
in New Year Message
London, Jan 3
London, Jan 3 (IANS) Citing the challenge posed by growing economies
of India and China, British Prime Minister Tony Blair has called for
making Britain's economy "even more dynamic and competitive".
In his final New Year message to the nation as prime minister - he
has announced that he will step down this year - Blair noted that
the world was a different place when he took over as prime minister
in 1997.
"Ten years ago, few people talked about the need to secure long-term
energy supplies, the challenge and opportunities thrown up by the
growth of the Chinese and Indian economies or advances in genetics.
Already we can see the shape of things to come.
"We need to make our economy even more dynamic and competitive -
taking advantage of the new areas of bio-science and environmental
technology, as well as deepening our strong financial services and
creative industrial base".
Listing several achievements by his government over the years, Blair
said the party will continue to be at the centre-stage of British
politics and win a fourth successive term in office if it followed
the path of New Labor.
Blair's message is seen as advice to his successor, widely believed
to be Chancellor Gordon Brown, to continue his legacy after he steps
down this year. Blair said: "New Labor set a new political course
for our nation. Others now have to develop variations on our basic
theme.
"In 1997, New Labor vowed to prove that economic prosperity and
social justice were goals which were complementary, not in conflict.
I believe in 2007, we have shown a country can be prosperous and
compassionate".
In what is seen as a veiled warning to Brown, Blair stated: "This is
the most difficult time for any government. Nine years into power,
mid-term in a third term, Labor has never been in this position
before. But the Labor Party should take heart. It is dominating the
battle of ideas. It will continue to do so provided it continues to
be New Labor.
"Ambition and compassion: the combination of those instincts remain
the basis of New Labor's three successive victories. They remain the
basis of a fourth".
In 1997, Blair was the youngest prime minister of the 20th century,
when he came to power at the age of 43. In February 2005, he became
the Labor party's longest-serving prime minister.
IANS
News of Jan
3, 2007
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