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February 10, 2005updated 22 Nov 2022 2:16pm

Public to quiz Blair on Five

By Press Gazette

By Caitlin Pike

Tony Blair is taking part in a special day of pre-election programming on Five next Wednesday (16 February).

It culminates with Talk to the Prime Minister , an hour-long programme giving the public the chance to put questions to him.

During the day Blair will be followed on a whistle-stop tour of the country.

He
will feature in special editions of topical chat show The Wright Stuff,
the lunchtime news bulletin at midday and the 5.30pm news. The day will
end with Talk to the Prime Minister , the first in a series of
programmes allowing members of the public to speak directly to
political leaders.

The Prime Minister will be quizzed by individual voters, with Kirsty Young as referee.

Young
said: “This day of broadcasting is another genuine first for the
channel. Very few people get the chance to bring issues directly to
Tony Blair and offer their own insights and opinions.

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“The
choices politicians make have a real impact on all our day-to-day lives
but it’s rare you get to challenge them face-to-face.”

Similar programmes with Michael Howard and Charles Kennedy will follow.

Five’s
senior programme controller, news and current affairs, Chris Shaw,
said: “These day-long events will give individuals the unique
opportunity to challenge the leaders in person – I think it will be a
great curtain-raiser for the forthcoming election campaigns.”

Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog

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