Prime Minister Tony Blair sparked a heated political debate over the government’s vision of patriotism and Britishness at the Newspaper Conference Annual Luncheon in London.

He told an audience of 100 guests, including regional publishers, editors, MPs, political editors and Parliamentary correspondents: “Britain is stronger together, than separated apart. True Britishness lies in our values not unchanging institutions. The constitutional changes we have made and a new attitude of engagement with Europe are not a threat to British identitiy but on the contrary are the means of strenghtening it for today’s world.”

He rejected criticism of his decision to define what it meant to be British, saying: “Blood ties alone do not define our national identity. Rather, it is the rich mix of different ethnic and religious origins over the centuries which created the country.”

Mr Blair defended his actions over devolution in Scotland and Wales. He said that the new patriotism should encompass the core values of fair play, creativity, tolerance, openess and an outward-looking approach to the world. It was not pro-British to be anti-Europe.

“Standing up for our country means standing up for what we believe in – it does not mean railing against the outside world. A constructive engaged attitude to Europe reflects the values of openness and leadership. If these are what makes us British, then devolution is a necessary part of keeping Britain together.”

The Prime Minister praised regional and local newspapers for doing outstanding work and stressed that MPs should always recognise the power and value of their local media.

The lunch, at the Hilton, was presided over by Conference chairman Rob Merrick, political editor of Central Press.

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