31 December 2005
Britain is set for a successful year with its strong economy and good public services.
Delivering his New Year message, Tony Blair said we enjoyed a "beautiful and prosperous" country we should be grateful for.
But this was an age of "rapid change and new challenges" so threats would constantly emerge to test us, he added.
Looking back on 2005, the PM pointed out that the UK was enjoying its longest period of economic growth with high employment and low interest rates and inflation.
Hospital waiting lists had fallen, crime was down and exam results were at an all-time high.
Internationally, the UK had presidency of the G8 in 2005 and made commitments to double aid for Africa. "Everyone who worked hard to achieve this can feel proud of the progress", he said, as should those who helped win the 2012 Olympics for Britain.
Reforms on the domestic agenda are also gathering pace but the country faces "big choices" on schools, health, pensions, welfare and energy, Mr Blair concluded.
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