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Blair outlines vision for third term

Wednesday's front pages are dominated by Tony Blair's keynote address to the Labour Party conference.

The prime minister called on activists to go out and fight for victory so that Labour could finish its task of building an "opportunity society" where all had the chance to succeed.

He also admitted that his decision to go to war with Iraq had eroded trust in the government.

However, he stopped short of a full apology, removing the word "sorry" from the text of his speech at the last minute.

"I know this issue has divided the country. I entirely understand why many disagree," he said.

Journalists had been briefed that he would say "I am genuinely sorry about that", but it was removed.

He added that he understood why many disagreed with him, saying: "Do I know I'm right? Judgments aren't the same as facts. Instinct is not science. I'm like any other human being, as fallible and as capable of being wrong. I only know what I believe."

He also offered an olive branch to Gordon Brown, describing him as a "personal friend for 20 years and the best chancellor this country has ever had".

Saying he was optimistic about the future, Blair set out a 10-point pledge list, promising to offer every parent "the choice of a good specialist school".

Labour, he said, would build a society where "we put the same commitment to quality vocational skills as we do academic education, with new vocational courses at school".

On health he set out a commitment to all patients being able to choose their hospital, and book the time and date for treatment.

"There they are: ten pointers to what a third-term Labour government would do for Britain's hard-working families," said Blair.

"Don't tell me that's not worth fighting for; a stronger, fairer, more prosperous nation.

"And now we have to go out and win the trust of the people to do it."

Published: Wed, 29 Sep 2004 07:38:42 GMT+01