Tony Blair is maintaining an air of optimism over President Bush's second term.

Interviewed in the Guardian, he says he has witnessed an "evolution" of American policy in his recent conversations with Bush and a realisation that the best prospects for a peaceful co-existence come from democracy and human rights, not military action.

Blair also believes he can get the US onside with his own priorities for Britain's presidency of the G8 - Africa and climate change.

On these issues and the situation in Israel Blair said: "It is possible to construct an international agenda that is more consensual, more multilateral than what has gone before".

The prime minister was tight lipped about possible US intervention in Iran, but was resolute on the subject of Iraq, "I would take the same decision", he said.

On the future of Britain's international relations Blair made reference to the continued role of Europe and the US, he said the aim was first and foremost "to make sure that the two pillars of this country's foreign policy alliances are strong".