Blair, leading polls, raises UK election pace

British Prime Minister Tony Blair heralded the release of his Labour Party's election policies as campaigning hit full swing yesterday and polls showed he was on track to secure a third term in power.

"We will publish our manifesto this week," Mr Blair told supporters in his home constituency of Sedgefield in northern England. "If you value economic stability you have to vote for it."

Three polls yesterday showed Mr Blair should win his third successive election on May 5, a first for a Labour premier. But the estimates ranged from a lead of seven percentage points to a slim two points over the opposition Conservatives.

All the forecasts would trim Labour's 161-seat parliamentary majority but still give Mr Blair a comfortable cushion of seats.

The parties launched into the first full week of campaigning after political leaders flew to Rome on Friday for Pope John Paul's funeral and then attended the wedding of heir to the throne Prince Charles to Camilla Parker Bowles on Saturday.

Labour's manifesto will focus on continued economic stability, driving unemployment down further and investing in public services, while restating its accusation that the Conservatives would cut public spending by £35 billion.

The Conservatives will promise to raise spending on health and education and offer modest tax cuts.