Blair proud to back 'fantastic' London bid

Mr Blair said that the political and public support behind London's bid left the capital in a strong position as the bid race enters the final straight.

"I think London's bid is fantastic, we're really proud of it," he said.

"It's got the support of the British people, of all the political parties, and the country's right behind it."

The Prime Minister also stressed the legacy that a London Games would leave behind.

"It'll leave a legacy not just for sport in the UK but for the Olympic Movement as well, and that's important," he added.

"I look forward in the next couple of days to talking to as many people as possible and just stressing the commitment to and our pride in the bid."

Craig Reedie, Chairman of the British Olympic Association and a member of the International Olympic Committee, added his praise for London's 'outstanding' plans.

"I have always believed London would produce a top-class technical bid, and I think it has," he said.

"I think it's exactly the right mix of new and existing - it's quite outstanding. We couldn't be more pleased with the way the bid team have built it and developed it."

The Prime Minister will remain in Singapore until Tuesday, before returning to the United Kingdom to Chair the G8 Summmit at Gleneagles in Scotland.

4 July 2005