Blair heckled over Iraq

British Prime Minister Tony Blair got a taste of what could be a tough week ahead today when he was heckled for his policy on Iraq.

Mr Blair was with Britain's Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott visiting a community project in the deprived Weston area of Southampton when residents caught up with him as he toured around.

Some shouted “war criminal” and another said “you should be in bloody jail, Blair”.

The visit marks the start of a testing time for the Government with grassroots Labour party anger over Iraq, public sector reform and foundation hospitals bound to come to a head at the party’s Bournemouth conference, which starts tomorrow.

Mr Prescott is certainly expecting a fight on his hands.

During the visit to an adventure playground on the council estate Mr Prescott had his hand painted by four-year-old Lauryn Henry so his imprint could be put on the wall. As she applied the paint Mr Prescott said: “That’s the war paint for conference.”

Mr Blair declined to have his hand painted but allowed one child to draw round his outline so it could be painted and also put on the wall.

During the visit Mr Blair and Mr Prescott heard about the success of the Government-funded Sure Start initiative to help young children and their families with health, education and opportunities.

The two met families who had taken part in the scheme in Weston to talk about their experiences and they toured the facilities and had a cup of tea with staff and families.

In a short address Mr Blair said he had been inspired by what he had heard about people making their lives better. He told the assembled group: “The scheme is not just for children, it’s for the parents as well. For parents it’s a ladder of opportunity to get some skills, get a job and make something of your life.”