PM: Games to make London "best city"

Mr Blair was addressing the Greater London Authority at the publication of London's Challenge for 2012, a document which highlights the progress the capital has made and the challenges it faces over the next six years.

"In 2012, six years from now, we will host the Olympic games," he said.

"We have six years to regenerate east London. Six years to demonstrate to the world, as to ourselves, that we can host the greatest show on earth."

"For two weeks London will be the centre of the world. And then, when the focus has shifted, when the world's attention is elsewhere, we will be able to look at what we have done for London and for the rest of the country too."

"As of today, we are all competing in the London Olympics 2012."

Mr Blair spoke of improvements to housing, education and security that will be made in the lead up to the 2012 Games.

"The Olympics can be a catalyst for the city which will be its host.

"It can inspire new infrastructure, school and hospital building, new housing, the regeneration of derelict sites.

"We could inspire economic prosperity that is sustained long after the closing ceremony and which will pay for the Games many, many times over."

4 April 2006