IT'S good to talk - especially when you are Prime Minister Tony Blair, Chancellor Gordon Brown, Home Secretary David Blunkett and Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott aiming to reconnect with the people.

The four most powerful men in Britain arrived in the city yesterday for the launch of the party's high-profile Big Conversation policy.

And with the London media pack in close pursuit, the eyes of the world were firmly focused on Newport.

A tight ring of security was thrown up around the west of the city, with scores of armed police officers keeping a tight rein on proceedings.

Looking relaxed following his latest health scare, Mr Blair stopped first at Ringland Labour Club, where he and Mr Blunkett met hand-picked guests, including party members and police officers, to talk about anti-social behaviour.

Flanked by Newport East MP Alan Howarth, Welsh Secretary Peter Hain and Newport East AM, John Griffiths, Mr Blair entered to hearty applause, before telling guests: "The number-one issue on people's streets is this issue of anti-social behaviour."

After staying for around 20 minutes, Mr Blair was whisked off to the salubrious surroundings of the Celtic Manor Resort, where he met his cabinet colleagues to officially launch his party's new policy.

Before invited guests, Mr Blair announced what was billed as the government's Conversation with Britain, in a speech which aimed at winning over both old and new Labour.

No doubt aware of his surroundings, the prime minister namechecked Gwent's Nye Bevan and Neil Kinnock, and said: "The big idea is the old idea: social justice. That's the reason for the Labour party."

The issue of crime and anti-social behaviour was a theme at both the Ringland club and the Celtic Manor.

Mr Blair said tackling the problem was the one constant theme that had emerged from his visit to the Ringland Labour Club.

"Crime may have fallen, but people don't feel safer," he said. "Above all, one lesson is clearer to me than ever before. The future of a nation depends on the development of its human capital, both economically and socially.

"The conversation I want to have with the British people, therefore, is how to change the system itself."

Then, he posed the key questions that will drive the political agenda for the rest of the term.

How do we spread new opportunities to those who need them most? How do we make it easier to set up new schools - or expand existing ones?

How do we fast-track summary justice for offenders for anti-social behaviour? How do we continue to expand choice within the NHS in ways consistent with its core values?

How do we finance changes in areas like transport? How do we best offer drug abusers a way out?

Mr Blair closed his speech with the line: "I've had my say. Now it's the turn of others."

What answers he will get, and whether his administration likes them, remains to be seen.

At the end of the speech, the media - who had only a limited access to the prime minister throughout the day - were told to leave, while Labour's big guns, party members and guests no doubt sought their own answers behind closed doors.