Blair to address business leaders

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Tony Blair will address business leaders at a conference later, amid criticism that he is missing a Commons debate on Iraq.

The prime minister will set out his record on public service reform at the CBI conference, to ease concerns it will not continue when he steps down.

On Tuesday hundreds of civil servants protested about policies, including privatisation of public sector work.

CBI chief Richard Lambert will argue reform and change must continue.

Mr Blair has been criticised by his political rivals for missing the debate on Iraq, which will instead be led by Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett.

Reform 'acceleration'

A Downing Street spokesman said the prime minister would set out reforms that have been carried out, as well as future challenges.

"The last 18 months have seen possibly the biggest acceleration in public service reform since this government came to power," he said.

He added the current "policy review process" meant reform would continue to meet the challenges of the next decade.

A CBI survey of 373 companies published on Wednesday suggests that fewer than one in five firms are confident that reforms in public services will continue when Tony Blair steps down as prime minister.

It also suggested four out of five companies believe the pace of reform has been too slow.

Mr Lambert will express concern at support for public services if reforms are not continued.

"Business is committed to taxpayer-funded public services, but if services do not improve, I fear public support for this model of service provision will wane," he will say.

Hundreds of teachers, civil servants, NHS and council workers demonstrated in support of public services in Westminster on Tuesday.

Civil servants have voted to strike on 31 January in protest at privatisation, job cuts and pay.