Putin warned over Russian 'issues'

After an hour-long private meeting at the G8 summit in the German coastal town of Heiligendamm, Mr Blair told reporters: "President Putin set out his beliefs that Russia was not being treated properly by the West and I obviously set out our view that people were becoming worried, fearful about what was happening in Russia today, the external policy.

"It was a perfectly frank discussion."

Mr Blair went on: "We had a discussion that lasted about an hour and it was a very frank discussion. It went through all the issues you would expect us to go through and we set out each other's views, which are well known.

"The atmosphere on a personal level was perfectly cordial but there are real issues there and I don't think they will be resolved any time soon."

Mr Blair also hailed the deal struck at the G8 over Africa, including a 60 billion dollar (£30 billion) boost for the fight against Aids and more cash for free schooling.

Before flying home to London, the Prime Minister said: "The most important thing obviously was that we have got agreement not just to recommit to all the various promises made at Gleneagles but also put some flesh on the bones of that.

"All the things that we committed to at Gleneagles two years ago have been recommitted to, which shows Africa will continue to be at the top of the agenda and although there's a desire for a lot more to be done, there's also a recognition of the progress made."

Mr Blair also stressed the importance of the climate change deal agreed for substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and the aim of seeking a global agreement including developing countries such as China and India.

He said: "It was important for countries like China and India coming to the summit to understand they were going to be part of the process."