Tony Blair has set off for Washington for his meeting with President Bush at The White House. It’ll be the first meeting since they left a microphone open and were complimenting each other, Bush thanking Blair for his sweater and Blair remarking that “I made it !”. Just goes to show what two of the biggest leaders of the free world talk about, knitting patterns !!!

I’m not sure where the conflict in Lebanon will go but I hope it ends soon, Israel’s reaction has been to say the least “too strong” and “disproportional”. Neither side is helping matters but anything other than a call for an immediate ceasefire would be unacceptable. Why hasn’t this been called for before now ? Who knows what Blair will ask Bush, only time will tell.

Earlier in the week it was revealed that America used Prestwick airport to transfer bombs to Israel, the same bombs used to attack Lebanon killing and maiming dozens of innocent civilians. The latest number of Lebanese killed has now been confirmed at 425 after 17 days of conflict.

After the White House, the PM will fly on to California to address executives at Rupert Murdoch’s News International, for the first time since 1995 when he was in the opposition party.

Backbench Labour MPs are increasingly urging Mr Blair to put aside his refusal to call for an immediate ceasefire and there has also been private criticism from inside the Cabinet.

One other subject that will surely be on the agenda is the notorious “special relationship” the two countries have where the US have taken for granted that the UK will back whatever the US decide. The time has come for us to question this and for the first time in many a year, both public and ministers alike are voicing their opinions. The time has come for the UK to stand firm. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that we should remain close to the US but what’s the point of bending over backwards every time Bush asks or doesn’t asks.

The US state department has dismissed as “outrageous” a suggestion by Israel that it has been authorised by the world to continue bombing Lebanon.

“The US is sparing no efforts to bring a durable and lasting end to this conflict,” said spokesman Adam Ereli.

Israeli Justice Minister Haim Ramon made the suggestion after powers meeting in Rome refrained from demanding an immediate ceasefire. Where will all this end, unfortunately I can’t see any end to the troubles and I’m sure Conda Rice won’t solve the puzzle.

Never been a fan of Bush, although I’m certainly not politically motivated in any way. Just concerned that certain parties aren’t getting a fair rack of the whip. Let’s just hope something can be done – still not convinced