Denver: Hosting world leaders

Jobs a Priority as Blair Attends G7 Summit

Mr Blair is joining the leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and the United States -- along with Russian President Boris Yeltsin -- for a three-day event to discuss global economic and political problems.

Yeltsin - Making it up to a G8

Having tested his diplomatic skills at the EU summit in Amsterdam earlier this week, the Prime Minister will press home his message of encouraging flexibility in the global jobs market.

Although the summit in the US is more a forum for discussion and exchange of ideas than a place for heavyweight commitments, it is another chance for Mr Blair to play the international statesman. And he can build on the good relationships he has already begun with Presidents Clinton and Yeltsin.

The Denver summit will allow Britain to promote the advantages its economy currently enjoys over its European partners, especially in terms of lower unemployment.

However the three EU partners and the £20 billion "black hole" in British public finances the Government disclosed this week could detract from that.

Besides economic issues, the summit is expected to discuss the expansion of Nato.