UK: BRIGHTON: TONY BLAIR ADDRESSES LABOUR PARTY CONFERENCE

(30 Sep 1997) English/Nat

The British Prime Minister, Tony Blair has made the first speech for 19 years by a Labour party leader in power.

At the party conference in Brighton, Blair received a standing ovation before beginning his speech.

His keynote speech at the party conference in Brighton, tallied his government's successes and set out his goal on Tuesday of a new, modern Britain that is compassionate but "with a hard edge."

Prime Minister Tony Blair left his hotel anxious, but with optimism, as be made his way towards the Labour Party Conference Centre in Brighton.

Rapturous applause swept Blair into the Labour Party's first conference since its landslide victory in May crushed the Conservatives after 18 years in power.

(English)
'Thank you for that wonderful welcome. Its being a very long time waiting for this moment. And all I can tell you is that I am deeply proud, and privileged to stand before you as the new Labour Prime Minister of this Country.'
SUPER CAPTION: Tony Blair, British Prime Minister

From then on, Blair paid tribute to particular members of his Cabinet.

He singled out his Northern Ireland Secretary, Mo Mowlam, for particular praise for her achievements in the Northern Ireland peace talks - and in accurately assessing the mood of country.

(English)
'Talking is no treachery. Agreeing is no betrayal. The real betrayal would be to let violence take the place of democracy in Northern Ireland again.'
SUPER CAPTION: Tony Blair, British Prime Minister

Launching his theme of Britain as a beacon to the world, the Prime Minister made it clear that the future of Britain lies in the heart of Europe.

But he didn't make it clear how this would be achieved.

(English)
'I know there will be a hard choice to come over the Single Currency in Europe. And our policy based as it is on the British national interests remains unchanged. But in or out, we will be affected by it. And we must remain able to influence the way that it works.'
SUPER CAPTION: Tony Blair, British Prime Minister

He seized on the chance for positive, morale-boosting oration.

Promoting his ambition for a new age of giving, that will bring out the best of Britain.

(English)
'Britain head and heart, will be unbeatable. That is the Britain I offer you, That is the Britain that together can be ours.'
SUPER CAPTION: Tony Blair, British Prime Minister

Blair's keynote speech, the first after 18 years of frustration, caught the mood of the Conference delegates.

Political observers saw the speech as upbeat and innovative - it will be regarded by many as the start of a presidential style of policy presentation.

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