Arnold Schwarzenegger has praised Tony Blair for his leadership in tackling climate change at a meeting between the former actor and the prime minister.

The governor of California is in London to discuss his state's reforms to target carbon emissions on what is Mr Blair's last full day as prime minister.

Mr Schwarzenegger said he was "able to pass a law" to cap trade and reduce carbon emissions because of Mr Blair's leadership.

He added that Britain was "truly a model for the rest of the world" for tackling climate change and reining back levels of emissions.

The governor added that his main aim was to be able to "protect the environment and also protect the economy".

Mr Blair and Mr Schwarzenegger will now take part in a roundtable discussion with business leaders in which the governor will make his point about the importance of technology in tackling climate change.

The prime minister said world leaders can "agree a goal" on carbon emissions and reach the "kind of targets" that will achieve their goal.

Mr Blair will leave office tomorrow after handing over the party leadership to the chancellor Gordon Brown on Sunday, who will succeed Mr Blair as prime minister.

The chancellor's new party deputy is Harriet Harman, who was elected on Sunday after narrowly defeating the education secretary Alan Johnson.

Want to advertise in Scarlet, Harlot or this website? Click here and download our media pack which has all the information you need.

Scarlet Media Pack 2008