Tony and Bill, just two mates having a chat

MY FRIEND SPIELBERG

When Mr Clinton phoned Mr Blair in 1997, the Prime Minister bragged: ‘I am outside Chequers having tea with a friend of yours, Steven Spielberg.’

BILL THE BABYSITTER

Mr Clinton declared he was ‘available for babysitting duties’ as the Blairs prepared for son Leo’s arrival in 2000. The PM replied: ‘Right, Bill, we’ll put you down on the babysitting list now, mate.’

PREZZA’S BANANAS

Of a visit to London by Vice President Al Gore, Mr Clinton told Mr Blair: ‘Al had a wonderful time. He also liked when he went into (John) Prescott’s office and the only decoration was a bowl of bananas.’

‘REAL MAN’ YELTSIN

Mr Clinton recalled a meal with Russian President Boris Yeltsin: ‘He served roast pig and told me real men hack off the ears and eat them. And once he served 24 courses, including moose lips.’

TALKS WITH ‘GERRY’

Mr Blair and Mr Clinton betrayed a comfortable familiarity with Gerry Adams by referring to him as ‘Gerry’ – but used surnames for the Unionist leaders involved in the peace process. They talk about ‘Trimble’ and ‘Paisley’ when referring to David Trimble and Ian Paisley.

MOVING TO SCOTLAND

Mr Clinton vowed to move to Scotland, asking in 1999 if people were ‘happy in Scotland’. Mr Blair: ‘Yes, a lot happier in Scotland.’ Mr Clinton: ‘What I want, is that when I am done here to be made an honorary UK citizen and give me a seat from Scotland next door to a good golf course.’