THE level of Tony Blair's involvement on the world stage has been the subject of impassioned debate over the years.

Some applaud it, others suggest he should concentrate more on domestic issues.

But as Mr Blair prepares for talks on Africa with international leaders, it is right to acknowledge the value of having a Prime Minister who is playing an integral part in trying to change the world.

The significance of the world's richest countries agreeing to write off £22bn debts owed by 18 mainly African countries should not be underestimated. Nor should Mr Blair's influence.

Bob Geldof has hailed the deal as "the beginning" and, of course, that is all it can be.

More countries than the 18 due to benefit so far must be embraced, the flow of aid must be massively increased, and fair trade agreements need to be established. But at least we now have a foundation of hope on which to build.

Mr Blair's close relationship with President Bush - the source of so much political damage in the wake of the war in Iraq - has this time proved to be central to international progress.

Differences of opinion remain between countries on how to keep the momentum going, but there is a sense of the world coming together on this most important of issues.

And after all the criticism directed at the MP for Sedgefield over the Iraq war, it is right to give him credit for being at the heart of an historic step forward.