The British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, has attacked critics of a controversial dome being built in London to mark the new millennium.

The government has been accused of wasting money on the one-point-two-billion dollar project, which will house an exhibition on the theme of time.

But Mr Blair said the dome -- the world's largest -- would be a symbol of British confidence and adventure.

The BBC political correspondent says the government has taken a big risk - many of its supporters believe the money would be better spent on education and the health service

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service