19/04/2004
Blair welcomes EU expansion
The legacy of the Second World War and the Cold War will be erased when the EU expands to 25 countries on 1 May, the Prime Minister said today.
Speaking 12 days before the accession to the EU of 10 new member states, Mr Blair said the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development played a "vital role" in the process.
"The extent and speed of change has been impressive," he said. "The completion of the Europe's biggest ever enlargement, with the prospect of more countries joining in the years ahead, is the clearest sign that the reform journey has been worthwhile."
The Prime Minister said that enlargement would help prevent conflict in Europe ever reoccurring.
"It will entrench and help spread democracy, the rule of law and human rights," added Mr Blair.
"It will widen our co-operation to face new threats - from environmental degradation to terrorism - together."
(gmcg)
Speaking 12 days before the accession to the EU of 10 new member states, Mr Blair said the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development played a "vital role" in the process.
"The extent and speed of change has been impressive," he said. "The completion of the Europe's biggest ever enlargement, with the prospect of more countries joining in the years ahead, is the clearest sign that the reform journey has been worthwhile."
The Prime Minister said that enlargement would help prevent conflict in Europe ever reoccurring.
"It will entrench and help spread democracy, the rule of law and human rights," added Mr Blair.
"It will widen our co-operation to face new threats - from environmental degradation to terrorism - together."
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
24 October 2005
Blair unveils 'pivotal' education reforms
Prime Minister Tony Blair has unveiled plans to reform Britain’s state schools, describing it as a “pivotal moment” for his government. Speaking ahead of the publication of an Education White Paper tomorrow, Mr Blair said that he wanted to offer “more power and choice for parents”, by freeing schools from the control of local authorities.
Blair unveils 'pivotal' education reforms
Prime Minister Tony Blair has unveiled plans to reform Britain’s state schools, describing it as a “pivotal moment” for his government. Speaking ahead of the publication of an Education White Paper tomorrow, Mr Blair said that he wanted to offer “more power and choice for parents”, by freeing schools from the control of local authorities.
13 May 2003
Short calls on Blair to stand down
The former International Development secretary Clare Short has called on Prime Minister Tony Blair to stand down as she launched another broadside against Number 10.
Short calls on Blair to stand down
The former International Development secretary Clare Short has called on Prime Minister Tony Blair to stand down as she launched another broadside against Number 10.
19 January 2011
Release Of Bush Blair Memos Vetoed
The public disclosure of a number of secret memos between former Prime Minister Blair and ex US President Bush, sent during the run up to the Iraq invasion, has been blocked. The potentially politically volatile memos were determined to be made public as part of the ongoing Chilcot Inquiry into the war by the inquiry chairman, Sir John Chilcot.
Release Of Bush Blair Memos Vetoed
The public disclosure of a number of secret memos between former Prime Minister Blair and ex US President Bush, sent during the run up to the Iraq invasion, has been blocked. The potentially politically volatile memos were determined to be made public as part of the ongoing Chilcot Inquiry into the war by the inquiry chairman, Sir John Chilcot.
20 July 2007
Blair 'pleased' by honours inquiry ruling
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair has said that he is "very pleased" by the news that the cash-for-honours inquiry has ended with no charges being brought.
Blair 'pleased' by honours inquiry ruling
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair has said that he is "very pleased" by the news that the cash-for-honours inquiry has ended with no charges being brought.
01 December 2005
Blair faces strong opposition to EU budget deal
Prime Minister Tony Blair has predicted that he will face widespread criticism over EU budget plans.
Blair faces strong opposition to EU budget deal
Prime Minister Tony Blair has predicted that he will face widespread criticism over EU budget plans.