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15/06/2005
Blair calls for ‘fundamental debate’ on Europe
Prime Minister Tony Blair has said that a “fundamental debate” on the future of Europe is needed at the European summit, which begins in Brussels tomorrow.
Speaking at Prime Minister’s Question Time today, Mr Blair said: “I think there is a clear understanding now in Europe that there needs to be a far more fundamental debate about the future.” The Prime Minister said that Europe had to be “relevant to people in the early 21st century”.
The European Summit, which will take place on June 16 and 17, will discuss the future of the EU constitution, which suffered humiliating defeats in referendums in France and the Netherlands, as well as the proposed EU budget for 2007 – 2013.
The controversial topic of Britain’s £3 billion EU rebate will also be on the agenda, as will the subject of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which has ignited a row between Britain and France.
Britain has refused to accept a reduction in the rebate, secured by Margaret Thatcher in the 1980s, unless the agricultural subsidies granted to France under CAP are also discussed – something which French President Jacques Chirac is opposed to.
Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s summit, Jose Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission called on EU leaders to show “political maturity and political responsibility” and compromise on the EU budget.
Britain has already threatened to use its veto, if necessary, in order to retain the rebate.
Conservative leader Michael Howard today accused Mr Blair of “wriggling like a worm on a fish hook” over the issue of Europe and told him to “give it straight” to European leaders at tomorrow’s summit. He also urged Mr Blair to accept that the EU constitution was “dead”, following the referendums in France and the Netherlands.
Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy also said that the constitution was now “no longer viable” and called for a “formal moratorium” on any significant treaty revisions.
Mr Blair stressed that any decision on the future of the constitution could only be made by Europe as a whole and reiterated his call for a “period of reflection”.
(KMcA)
Speaking at Prime Minister’s Question Time today, Mr Blair said: “I think there is a clear understanding now in Europe that there needs to be a far more fundamental debate about the future.” The Prime Minister said that Europe had to be “relevant to people in the early 21st century”.
The European Summit, which will take place on June 16 and 17, will discuss the future of the EU constitution, which suffered humiliating defeats in referendums in France and the Netherlands, as well as the proposed EU budget for 2007 – 2013.
The controversial topic of Britain’s £3 billion EU rebate will also be on the agenda, as will the subject of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which has ignited a row between Britain and France.
Britain has refused to accept a reduction in the rebate, secured by Margaret Thatcher in the 1980s, unless the agricultural subsidies granted to France under CAP are also discussed – something which French President Jacques Chirac is opposed to.
Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s summit, Jose Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission called on EU leaders to show “political maturity and political responsibility” and compromise on the EU budget.
Britain has already threatened to use its veto, if necessary, in order to retain the rebate.
Conservative leader Michael Howard today accused Mr Blair of “wriggling like a worm on a fish hook” over the issue of Europe and told him to “give it straight” to European leaders at tomorrow’s summit. He also urged Mr Blair to accept that the EU constitution was “dead”, following the referendums in France and the Netherlands.
Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy also said that the constitution was now “no longer viable” and called for a “formal moratorium” on any significant treaty revisions.
Mr Blair stressed that any decision on the future of the constitution could only be made by Europe as a whole and reiterated his call for a “period of reflection”.
(KMcA)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
