Blair to face media over Browne

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Tony Blair could face further questions over the sale of stories by forces personnel when he appears at his monthly press conference later.

Mr Blair is also likely to comment on the fatal shooting of 32 people at an American college.

The Downing Street event, at 1200BST, could be his final monthly appearance before the press as Labour leader.

He is expected to quit as party leader within days of 3 May elections but will continue as prime minister until June.

Blair legacy

Reporters are expected to quiz Mr Blair about Defence Secretary Des Browne's statement to MPs on Monday in which he apologised for his role in allowing sailors captured by Iran to sell their stories to the media.

Mr Browne announced an inquiry into the seizure of the sailors by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and a review of media handling by armed services staff.

Mr Blair may also be quizzed by reporters about his political legacy, after nearly 10 years in Downing Street.

Speaking to the BBC two days ago, Mr Blair said he accepted that he was in the final weeks of his premiership.

But he will use the time to put in place "building blocks" for the next few years of Labour government, which he said were not intended to bind the hands of his successor.

He is expected to update reporters on a review of foreign affairs' policy, entitled "Britain in the world", one of a series of reviews aimed at setting Labour's agenda for the years after Mr Blair's departure.

Mr Blair has not formally endorsed any of the potential candidates to replace him as Labour leader, saying he will make his views known once he has announced his departure date.

Chancellor Gordon Brown is the favourite to take over the reins, with the majority of Labour MPs and trade unions backing him.

Environment Secretary David Miliband has come under pressure to stand from opponents of Mr Brown, but has said he has no plans to mount a bid and endorsed the chancellor's candidacy.

On Monday, Mr Miliband was urged not to stand against Mr Brown by Education Secretary Alan Johnson, who last year abandoned his own plans to bid for the party leadership, joining the race to be deputy leader instead.

Mr Johnson said Mr Miliband would make an excellent Labour Party leader "at some time in the future".