Tony Blair has launched his final election campaign as Labour leader, confirming that Britain will go to the polls on May 5.

Speaking in Downing Street after formally asking the Queen to dissolve parliament, the prime minister called on Labour to fight for "every vote in every seat".

Blair said the country faced a "fundamental choice" between Labour and Conservative visions on the economy and public services.

The prime minister said the economy was strong, with low inflation and mortgage rates, and a third term would allow Labour to entrench hard-won stability.

After announcing the election date, he flew to South Dorset, the number one target seat of the Conservatives.

Once there, he told party supporters that while "tremendous progress" has been made in the NHS "we still have to do a lot more".

Blair told a packed meeting of Labour MPs at Westminster last night that the Tories would run a "nasty right-wing campaign" and concentrate on being negative about the state of the country.

Today he will hold the first joint press conference of the campaign with Gordon Brown, the chancellor.

Although they have appeared together at recent party events, this will be the first important joint press conference by both men since the Treasury's decision on UK entry to the euro in June 2003.

The Sun reports that Labour will include in its manifesto proposals to proceed with trials even if the suspects fail to turn up at court.