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Blair flips on Euro constitution
EFLTony Blair today vowed to push through the controversial EU constitution - and set himself up for a bitter election battle over Europeâs powers. Downing Street said the Prime Minister had always backed the blueprint for future European integration - and flatly ruled out Tory demands for a referendum. Mr Blairâs uncompromising stance emerged after EU leaders in Brussels breathed new life into the constitution plan by setting a 30 June deadline for a decision. It looks set to become a reality after months of bickering. The sudden revival followed the election of the new Spanish government and the moderate line taken by Poland which had previously been demanding major changes to the draft. The new mood sweeping the EU summit creates a dilemma for Mr Blair, who was said to have been quietly hoping the issue would remain stalled until after the next election. Conservative leader Michael Howard is said to be preparing to turn the reforms - and his demand for a national referendum before they are adopted by the UK - into a major election issue. Downing Street had seemed relieved at a summit in December when the project looked doomed because of a row between other EU leaders over voting rights for small countries. The delay coincided with polls showing public unease and a growing revolt by Labour MPs unhappy at the implications. But today Mr Blairâs spokesman said Britain would back the deal regardless of the political risks. "We are supportive and want to make progress as fast as possible," he said. "The Government is not afraid to argue its case." Despite polls last year showing eight in 10 people want a referendum, Mr Blair is determined to tough it out. Critics say the draft EU constitution is a federalist blueprint and a giant leap towards the EU adopting the trappings of statehood. It includes plans for a foreign-"minister" and an elected president, plus measures to even out some business taxation and begin to harmonise laws. Mr Blair flew into Brussels last night after his historic talks with Libyan leader Muammar Gadaffy in Tripoli. Posted by: Bob 2004-03-26 |
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