Blair says G8 must do more for Africa

Tony Blair today urged the international community to "step up to the plate" on aid for Africa when the Group of Eight meets in Germany next week.

Rounding off a farewell tour in Africa with a press conference in Johannesburg, Mr Blair said he was confident the leading industrial countries could reach agreement on a set of proposals.

Speaking alongside the South African president, Thabo Mbeki, following bi-lateral talks, Mr Blair insisted much had been achieved since the 2005 G8 summit in Gleneagles, but there was more to do.