British election is not over, Blair warns backers

Tony Blair launched a drive yesterday to fight apathy and disillusionment ahead of next month's British election, warning sympathisers they should not assume victory over the main opposition Conservatives.

The prime minister's appeal reflected his concern that natural supporters of his centre-left Labour party, dismayed by his backing for the Iraq war and other policies, may decide not to vote or switch to the third-placed Liberal Democrats.

Opinion polls show Labour comfortably on course for an unprecedented third straight term in office. But Blair insisted the May 5 election could be decided by a relatively small number of votes in closely fought constituencies.

"Never mind about the polls, this election is tough and tight," Blair said.

Under Britain's electoral system, candidates fight to win individual constituencies around the country. National opinion poll figures are not always reflected in the local battles.

Pollsters say Labour should keep power even if it loses some seats. But if that proves true, party workers want as large a majority as possible and fear too many Labour supporters will stay at home if they believe the overall result is not in doubt.

Blair warned against complacency and unveiled a new campaign slogan: "If you value it, vote for it."

He insisted only his party or the Conservatives had any chance of forming a government and voters must choose between them rather than opting for the Liberal Democrats, the sole major party to oppose the Iraq war.

"It's a fundamental choice for our country," he told a news conference in London. "There will either be a Conservative government or a Labour government that people wake up to on May 6. So that choice has now got to be made."

The Liberal Democrats score around 22 per cent in national polls while the Conservatives have between 32 and 34 per cent and Labour leads with between 37 and 39 per cent.

Blair stressed his government's stewardship of the world's fourth-largest economy and its pledges to continue investment in schools, hospitals and fighting crime.

Conservative leader Michael Howard also tried to motivate potential voters, aiming to capitalise on disillusionment with Blair after eight years in power. The prime minister has said he plans to stand down after serving one more term in office.

"Isn't it your duty to take a stand?" Howard told a crowd at a rally in Hastings, southern England, as he accused the premier of lying to win elections. "It will be your last chance to take a stand on Mr Blair."