Tony Blair has pledged to push ahead with reform of the public services during his final years in office.

Speaking in Number 10, the prime minister said the government must deliver on its manifesto pledges.

He said there would be further reform of health and education services.

"There is a busy agenda for change over the coming months and we are going to move forward with renewed purpose," said Blair.

Listening mode

The prime minister indicated that the government would listen to those who have concerns over the direction of policy.

A series of discussion papers are to be published before controversial legislation is enacted.

But Blair denied that a reduced Commons majority would hinder the reform programme.

He said MPs had signed up to a manifesto that would now be implemented.

"I have got no doubt at all, in the end people want to do that," he said.

It was "fatuous" to say the historically large majority of 66 would prevent the delivery of key promises.

Extending choice

Blair also said that improvement in public services would come from more diverse provision and by introducing more choice for consumers.

For the NHS and schools, there will be new white papers focusing on reform and more personalised service delivery.

And a green paper on Incapacity Benefit reform will be published before the summer recess.

"People who can work should be given the chance to work," said the prime minister.

The prime minister said the Queen's speech would set out a radical programme of legislative reform.

"It will be a bold programme for the new parliament which starts to implement the manifesto on which we were elected," he said.

"Our task now is to deepen the change, accelerate reform and address head-on the priorities of the British people in the National Health Service, schools, welfare reform, childcare and support for working families, crime, disorder, respect on our streets, asylum and immigration."

Long-term issues

Journalists were told that there are three issues where the government would work towards a "broad political consensus".

"One is pensions, the other is council tax and the third is transport funding, and each of those three is very tricky but they all have one thing in common," said Blair.

"They require long-term solutions that survive any change of government."

And Blair played down suggestions that he would be stepping down before serving a full parliamentary term as prime minister.

"I've got nothing to add to what I said in the election campaign, that remains the position," he said.

"And what I think the party and the country wants is to just see us get on with business now."