PM tackled over reception

Tony Blair has been accused of turning the Downing Street reception for England's World Cup-winning rugby squad into a "party-political stunt".

The guest list for the event on Monday was drawn up by the Prime Minister's private office, with the Rugby Football Union given no say in the matter and not a single Opposition politician being invited.

The row came after plans for an £80 million expansion of Twickenham were given the goahead. The home of English rugby is set to increase its capacity by 7,500 to 82,000.

But the positive news for English rugby was overshadowed by the Government's partisan party plans.

Tory sport spokeswoman Julie Kirkbride said: "This is a national event that should be celebrated by everyone, not turned into a party-political stunt by New Labour."

An RFU source said the body was told "in no uncertain terms" that it could only nominate people from the England squad to attend the event. "The RFU were told to butt out," the source said.

The Downing Street reception will take place after the team have been on a celebratory parade through central London and had tea with the Queen at Buckingham Palace.

But there was widespread approval of the expansion plans for Twickenham. The development will include a 200-bedroom hotel and 400-seat theatre as well as shops, offices and a basement car park.

Tony Arbour, the Conservative leader of Richmond council, which unanimously approved the plans last night, said: "The stadium is the home of English rugby that attracts the eyes of the rugby world.

"With this redevelopment it will become truly fit for the world champions."