The prime minister has appealed to the media to refrain from drawing early conclusions about the Hutton inquiry.

In a bid to close down debate on the first stage of the inquiry into the death of Dr David Kelly, Tony Blair urged the country to "let the judge do the judging".

"I know what the headlines are today, but the important thing about this inquiry is that the judge is hearing the totality of the evidence," Blair said.

"He's not looking at the headlines, he's looking at the evidence.

"I totally understand why people are concerned about it, but in the meantime there is no point in me speculating as to what he's going to find, that's for him.

"In the meantime I think what's important is that we concentrate on the domestic agenda."

But he conceded that "it has been a tough time for obvious reasons".

The prime minister's remarks came as he took centre stage at his monthly press conference where he faced a raft of questions over the government's recent difficulties.

Urging the media to focus on the domestic agenda, he listed a series of government achievements in areas such as education and health.

"The point I think it is important to make is that none of this progress has been achieved without change and reform," said Blair.

"Our immediate task is to go out and try and unify people."

Blair was also quizzed about the resignation of his close aide and friend, Alastair Campbell and the publication of the Phillis review which signalled changes in the way Downing Street deals with the media.

"It is important that especially six years into government... that we're engaging with people and explaining to them why we are making these changes," he said.

Pressed on the deteriorating situation in Iraq, Blair insisted Britain and the US were doing "the right thing to do" in the face of "terrorists"."We have got to fight it out and we have got to win through and we will win through, I have no doubt about that," he said.

"This has been a difficult time not just for the government but for the country over Iraq.

"My opinion has not changed. When I say it has not changed that does not mean disrespect those who take a different view."

And contrary to the impression given over recent months, the prime minister signalled that he would be open to discussion on key policy issues.

"It is always important that you listen to people...and to hear the concerns people have," he said.

"When you are in a position like mine you have got to listen to people, hear their concerns and balance that with taking decisions."

But echoing the words of former prime minister Margaret Thatcher, Blair said there would be no turning back from hard decisions.

"I don't see the need for change," he told the media inside Number 10. "I don't think we should change course."

Asked whether this was his "Thatcher moment", Blair added: "I think you'll have to take it as a Blair moment."

And questioned on whether he was considering his future career options following months of bad headlines, Blair said his resolve was undiminished.

"I carry on doing the job because I believe in what I am doing," the prime minister added.