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15/12/2003
Progress made at EU summit despite no agreeement: Blair
Prime Minister Tony Blair has said that "progress" has been made at the EU summit, despite talks breaking up without agreement.
Mr Blair said today said that negotiation among all 25 states was "always going to be difficult", and while no formal agreements emerged, there were 82 points where consensus was achieved.
"These included key changes on very important issues for the United Kingdom," he said.
"If this proceeds on the basis outlined by Prime Minister Berlusconi, tax, EU finance, social security and criminal law will all remain the province of the nation-state."
He said it would be a "serious mistake" to allow any British government to remove itself from the negotiations.
"We must continue to shape the future of Europe in ways that reflect our national interest. We can either be on the touchline shouting our criticism, or on the field as an active and successful player," he said.
Mr Blair and the leaders of France, Germany, Sweden and Holland have written a joint letter to the President of the European Commission "emphasising the need for budgetary discipline" in preparations for the new EU-budget.
(gmcg)
Mr Blair said today said that negotiation among all 25 states was "always going to be difficult", and while no formal agreements emerged, there were 82 points where consensus was achieved.
"These included key changes on very important issues for the United Kingdom," he said.
"If this proceeds on the basis outlined by Prime Minister Berlusconi, tax, EU finance, social security and criminal law will all remain the province of the nation-state."
He said it would be a "serious mistake" to allow any British government to remove itself from the negotiations.
"We must continue to shape the future of Europe in ways that reflect our national interest. We can either be on the touchline shouting our criticism, or on the field as an active and successful player," he said.
Mr Blair and the leaders of France, Germany, Sweden and Holland have written a joint letter to the President of the European Commission "emphasising the need for budgetary discipline" in preparations for the new EU-budget.
(gmcg)
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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
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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.
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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.
02 December 2005
Blair ‘could compromise’ on EU budget
Prime Minister Tony Blair could compromise on Britain’s EU rebate in a bid to finalise a deal on the EU budget, it has been reported. Mr Blair is widely expected to offer to give up as much as 15% of the £3 billion rebate, in an attempt to break the deadlock over the EU budget.
Blair ‘could compromise’ on EU budget
Prime Minister Tony Blair could compromise on Britain’s EU rebate in a bid to finalise a deal on the EU budget, it has been reported. Mr Blair is widely expected to offer to give up as much as 15% of the £3 billion rebate, in an attempt to break the deadlock over the EU budget.
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.
27 April 2004
Housing warning for EU migrants
Prime Minister, Tony Blair, is due to announce that unemployed migrants from aspiring EU countries will not have access to council housing. The announcement comes ahead of the EU enlargement on May 1, when 10 new member states will join the EU. The rules will also apply to ‘aspiring’ EU entrants, Romania and Bulgaria.
Housing warning for EU migrants
Prime Minister, Tony Blair, is due to announce that unemployed migrants from aspiring EU countries will not have access to council housing. The announcement comes ahead of the EU enlargement on May 1, when 10 new member states will join the EU. The rules will also apply to ‘aspiring’ EU entrants, Romania and Bulgaria.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Perhaps a touch of ground frost. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
