Blair stands firm on Europe
The Prime Minister has indicated that he will not deviate on his policy towards Europe, despite the large Eurosceptic vote in last week’s European elections.
Regarding the rise in support for the United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP), Mr Blair appeared sanguine, saying: “I don’t disrespect the votes of anyone who voted for any political party. Of course you always take account of that, but you also have got to fight for what you believe in”.
“I believe passionately that Britain’s place is at the centre of Europe. I think it would be an act of extraordinary foolishness for us as a country in the early 21st century to withdraw from the biggest political alliance in the world and the biggest economic market right on our doorstep where we do 60 per cent of our trade.”
“I think in the end the benefits of Britain’s membership of the European Union far outweigh the disadvantages.”
Turning to the forthcoming negotiations on the European Constitution, Mr Blair insisted that the UK’s red lines would remain on taxation and foreign affairs.
Mr Blair told his monthly press conference that: “I am reasonably optimistic that we will negotiate the agreement that we want which allows Europe to function more effectively and also make sure that in those vital areas like tax, foreign policy and defence our ultimate right to determine our own policy remains with us.”
“I think in some areas it is absolutely essential for us to work with others in Europe and to cooperate, and indeed have qualified majority voting to do so.”
Giving the example of agriculture, he warned: “We cannot reform European agriculture if the veto is there. Therefore the existence of qualified majority voting has been to our benefit.”
Restating his party’s commitment to put the eventual treaty to a national referendum, the PM described it as “a fair way of proceeding”.
“That will give us a chance to make the arguments to people”, he said, stating that the public would be able to decide “on the basis of a genuine debate”.
As for EU concerns over the UK’s strong alliance with the United States over such issues as Iraq, Mr Blair was dismissive.
“We are the strongest ally of the United States – the world’s only superpower – and we are members of the biggest political alliance and biggest economic market in the world through Europe.
“Why should we give either of those two things up?” he asked.
“If there are tensions from time to time, fine – resolve them – but don’t give up either pillar of what is an immensely strong and influential foreign policy.”
