PM 'fully engaged' before resigning

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Mr Blair's official spokesman said that after the premier's announcement about his future - expected on Thursday - he would remain focused, especially on health and education and the forthcoming G8 and EU summits.

The Prime Minister will announce his intention to quit as Labour leader, triggering a party process to replace him.

Downing Street has been keen to stress that Mr Blair will remain Prime Minister until he hands over to his successor, almost certainly Gordon Brown, in July.

Asked if the premier would be a "lame duck" Prime Minister in the coming weeks, his spokesman said: "The best reassurance you will have is actually seeing the Prime Minister in action.

"And I think you will see the Prime Minister in action over the coming weeks, both domestically on issues such as health and education and also internationally - particularly in the run-up to the G8 summit and in the run-up to the EU summit, both of which are very important events.

"I don't think people would be left in any doubt that the Prime Minister is fully engaged, but rather than me saying it, the best thing is simply for people to watch and see."

Germany holds the rotating presidency of both organisations and will host the gatherings next month.

Mr Blair is keen to pursue his Gleneagles agenda of climate change and helping Africa at the G8, while the EU meeting will attempt to break the deadlock over the union's constitution.

"In terms of getting on with business, Europe does face major decisions and he believes you can work with other leaders in Europe to achieve that."