Pace of change "like science fiction" - PM

Dealing with the "sheer scale and pace of change" in global affairs is the one of the most difficult challenges he faces as Prime Minister, Tony Blair has said.

People are expected to adapt to different ways of doing things and different ideas with a rapidity that, when he was growing up, would have been seen as "science fiction".

Constant change was "almost like a permanent revolution" and "stunned" him.

But the PM said it was important for world leaders to keep up with the pace of change, or risk being left behind.

Mr Blair's comments came in an interview with Real Radio's Jay Crawford.

The PM said:
"What I've learned about not just being prime minister of the country, but the world in which we live, is the sheer scale and pace of change. I think the most difficult thing for any country and for politicians trying to lead a country today is how you try to cope with that. But if you're not prepared to do that, you get left behind very quickly."

During the interview, the PM also reflected on the 300th anniversary of the Union between England and Scotland, as well as the emergence of India and China on the world stage.

ENDS