Message from the Rt Hon Tony Blair MP, the Prime Minister

You face a great number of challenges in Government. What counts is whether you have the vision and determination to overcome them.

Our biggest challenge now is to improve our public services. I know how big the task is. But since 1997, this Labour Government has shown we can rise to the challenges at home and abroad.

The economy's in better shape. Interest rates and inflation are low. A million more people are in work. That's good in itself but also means the country can afford the investment our schools, hospitals, police and transport system need.

And this investment, coupled with our reforms, is already making a difference.

There are more teachers, more doctors, more police officers, 31000 more nurses than in 1997.

Crime's down by 22%. School standards rising. Hospital waiting times and waiting lists falling.

We are moving in the right direction.

In partnership with Labour councils that share this country's priorities, we'll continue to see the progress we all want.