THE first policy pledge of the new British Prime Minister will be implemented today, as Britain takes the initial step towards signing the European Social Chapter. Meanwhile, Mr Tony Blair has completed the formation of his government.
This early move is designed to improve Britain's relations with Europe and prove that Mr Blair will stick to his policy pledges. The Foreign Secretary, Mr Robin Cook, will sign the preliminary papers at an Inter Governmental Conference (IGC) in Brussels this morning and instruct British officials to ensure the legislation is quickly implemented.
Mr Cook described the move as the "democratic response" to the wishes of the British people. Today's meeting opens a new chapter in Britain's relations with Europe. It marks a fresh start in Europe for Britain, working with other member states as a partner, not as an opponent," he said.
After attending Mass at his local Catholic church with his family, Mr Blair completed his government by rewarding Mr Peter Mandelson, who masterminded Labour's election campaign, with the powerful position of Minister without Portfolio.
Although Downing Street said Mr Mandelson will not sit in the Cabinet, he will have influence over policy decisions. "He will assist in the strategic implementation of government policies and their effective presentation to the public," a spokesman explained.
Mr Mandelson rejected suggestions that he would be the "minister for meddling" and that his role "would be to keep an eye" on cabinet ministers. "I am there to assist in the strategic implementation of our policies, to make sure that our programme is kept on track and moving forwards, and to ensure that government policies are effectively presented to the public and the party," he said.
On Saturday, Mr Blair completed his government by overcoming reservations about the outspoken left wing MP, Ms Clare Short, to appoint her as Minister for International Development. He also confirmed Dr Mo Mowlam as the Northern Ireland Secretary, Mr Donald Dewar as the Scottish Secretary, Ms Harriet Harman as Secretary of State for Social Security, Mr Frank Dobson as the Health Secretary, and Mr Chris Smith as National Heritage Secretary.
The Deputy Prime Minister, Mr John Prescott, predicted Mr Blair would transform Britain. "He wants to see a new kind of Britain going into a new millennium and he'll have as much effect on British political life as he's had in the Labour Party in the last two or three years. Quite frankly, it may well be a bumpy ride but I am looking forward to it," he said.
One of Mr Blair's "big ideas" is to reform the £90 billion a year welfare system, which yesterday Ms Harman explained would offer training and employment options particularly for young people and single mothers.
"When the welfare state was set up it was for people who, for one reason or another, couldn't work. It wasn't for people who just didn't want to work. Tony Blair and Gordon Brown and myself have made it clear that we are going to give a range of options for young people, quality training and worthwhile jobs. But there won't be the option of simply life on benefits," she said.
Earlier, the Liberal Democrat deputy leader, Mr Alan Beith, suggested that his party will be the official opposition party because the Tories were in disarray and could only represent England now as they did not have any Scottish or Welsh MPs.
"It would be ludicrous in Scottish legislation for the Conservatives to purport to be the alternative voice when they have no seats at all in Scotland. But in UK matters as a whole it can no longer make sense for a party as we are, with 46 members, to be pushed aside and told if we're lucky we can have the occasional Prime Minister's question and get called halfway through a debate. That won't do anymore," he said.