Mr Blair at the Meeting in Noordwijk

Blair Meets Thatcher Before Summit

It took place on Thursday -- the day BEFORE Mr Blair's first European summit in Noordwijk.

The talks between the two are thought to have covered a wide range of issues -- including Britain's relations with her partners in Europe and with the United States.

The two politicians are reported to have mutual admiration for each other's strong leadership styles.

Earlier this year, Lady Thatcher reportedly described Mr Blair as "a great patriot" and someone who would not "do Britain down".

Meanwhile Mr Blair has always stressed that he will not reverse the main elements of Lady Thatcher's right-wing revolution, amid signs that he too admires some of her achievements.

A Downing Street spokesman said "The subject of the meeting was private."