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30/10/2009
Blair's EU Presidency Hopes 'Fading'
Tony Blair's prospects of becoming President of the European Council would seem to be faltering, following reports that he has failed to secure the backing of European leaders.
Although Mr Blair has been endorsed by Prime Minister Gordon Brown, he has reportedly had a lack of support from other European leaders, with some of the reasons believed to include concerns over Britain's alleged lack of commitment to the EU and the fact that Britain remains outside the Eurozone.
Meanwhile, in Britain, both the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats remain opposed to the prospect of a Blair presidency.
However, Mr Blair's spokesperson stressed that there was no campaign as the job did not yet exist and said that the former Prime Minister remained "fully focused on his existing projects".
Meanwhile, ratification of the Lisbon Treaty has moved closer after it was reported that delegates at the European leaders' summit in Brussels have approved a deal with Czech President Vaclav Klaus, leaving the path clear for the country - the only EU member state which has not yet ratified the Treaty - to approve it.
President Klaus had wanted an opt-out from the Treaty's Charter of Fundamental Rights over fears that descendants from ethnic Germans expelled from Czechoslovakia after World War II would attempt to reclaim properties. However, EU officials have played down this prospect.
(KMcA/BMcc)
Although Mr Blair has been endorsed by Prime Minister Gordon Brown, he has reportedly had a lack of support from other European leaders, with some of the reasons believed to include concerns over Britain's alleged lack of commitment to the EU and the fact that Britain remains outside the Eurozone.
Meanwhile, in Britain, both the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats remain opposed to the prospect of a Blair presidency.
However, Mr Blair's spokesperson stressed that there was no campaign as the job did not yet exist and said that the former Prime Minister remained "fully focused on his existing projects".
Meanwhile, ratification of the Lisbon Treaty has moved closer after it was reported that delegates at the European leaders' summit in Brussels have approved a deal with Czech President Vaclav Klaus, leaving the path clear for the country - the only EU member state which has not yet ratified the Treaty - to approve it.
President Klaus had wanted an opt-out from the Treaty's Charter of Fundamental Rights over fears that descendants from ethnic Germans expelled from Czechoslovakia after World War II would attempt to reclaim properties. However, EU officials have played down this prospect.
(KMcA/BMcc)
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Brown To Canvass For Blair
Prime Minister Gordon Brown is expected to formally put his weight behind predecessor Tony Blair's bid for the EU presidential office, according to reports. Mr Brown will lobby on behalf of his New Labour ally, who appears to be a forerunner for the first permanent Brussels role, created under the Lisbon Treaty.
Brown To Canvass For Blair
Prime Minister Gordon Brown is expected to formally put his weight behind predecessor Tony Blair's bid for the EU presidential office, according to reports. Mr Brown will lobby on behalf of his New Labour ally, who appears to be a forerunner for the first permanent Brussels role, created under the Lisbon Treaty.
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New committee to allow greater scrutiny of European legislation
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New committee to allow greater scrutiny of European legislation
Parliament is to have more opportunity to scrutinise and debate European legislation, Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has said today. Mr Straw set out plans for a new parliamentary committee to debate European issues, whereby Ministers, European Commissioners and Members of both the Lords and Commons would be able to attend.
20 June 2005
Blair – EU budget ‘not right’ for Britain
Prime Minister Tony Blair has told MPs that the EU budget deal offered at last week’s European summit was “not right for Britain”.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
