Tony Blair launched his Big Conversation with the people of Britain by giving an exclusive interview to the South Wales Argus.

The Prime Minister’s new consultation exercise in advance of the next General Election began in Newport.

And he spoke to Argus political reporter Edward Davie as he travelled to the city.

The PM backed the Argus’ Car Safe anti-car crime campaign, which he said was an “excellent initiative I have been following”, and also gave his views on a series of local issues.

Argus editor Gerry Keighley said: “Mr Blair was in Newport to hear the views of local people but it was clear he also wanted to get his views across about the issues that matter to them.

“The best way for him to do that in our area was to talk to the Argus and we were delighted he decided to do so.

“We gave him a tough time on some of the big issues in our area and it is to his credit that he did not shy away from any of our reporter’s questions.”

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