British Prime Minister plays host to WA school students

26/4/04
A dozen Western Australian school students were treated to an audience with British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, today (10.30am April 26 London time).
The students have been travelling on the inaugural ANZAC commemoration tour led by Premier Geoff Gallop. It is part of a program aimed at enshrining ANZAC Day as a day of importance to all Western Australians.
Part of the tour involved a visit to 10 Downing Street and the Cabinet War Rooms.
During the visit, Mr Blair interrupted his busy schedule to sit down and talk to the students in the Downing Street Cabinet Room.
Topics of discussion between the students and the British Prime Minister ranged from Australia's involvement in World War 1 and World War II, career opportunities, sport and Western Australia's enviable lifestyle.
Mr Blair also received a presentation on Anzac Day by Year 8 John Curtin High School student Timothy Grimes.
Mr Blair said the students were a credit to Western Australia.
Premier Geoff Gallop said it was a great opportunity for the students to meet a prominent world leader.
"They got an appreciation of Tony Blair's excellent knowledge of Australia as well as seeing what a good bloke he is", Dr Gallop said.
Prior to the Downing Street visit, the group had taken part in special ANZAC services on the French battlefields and played key speaking roles in the inaugural ANZAC Dawn Service at the new memorial at London's Hyde Park Corner, as well as the ANZAC service at Westminster Abbey.
Premier's office: 9222 9475