Mandelson eager to draw line under spat with Brown supporters
Britain’s new European Commissioner Peter Mandelson has called for a line to be drawn under the long running spat between himself and supporters of Gordon Brown.
Allies of the Chancellor still felt disgruntled that he had vested his support in Tony Blair to lead the Labour Party, Mr Mandelson told BBC One’s Breakfast with Frost.
“I haven’t had the easiest of relationships with Gordon Brown over the last ten years”, Mr Mandelson admitted.
But he urged: “Times moved on. I’ve moved on to a new job and I think it would be a good idea if many of Gordon’s supporters didn’t take their fight with me onto the European stage.”
Neither the Government nor Britain’s national interest benefits from such divisions, he said.
Mr Mandelson called for a line now to be drawn under what he described as “parochial fights” and “past divisions”.
Earlier this year, he made reference to being proud of the economic achievement of the Government, but warned against “exaggerated gloating”.
His comments were interpreted in various quarters as a friendly dig at Gordon Brown and the Treasury.
But Mr Mandelson insisted it was the Treasury itself that had placed such spin on his comments.
“I was actually was making a point about Britain’s economic record in which we can take considerable pride and indeed the Government’s own contribution to that economic success.”
“But I don’t want to appear to be thrusting British success down continental throats.”
He went on: “I made the point that we shouldn’t be involve in exaggerated gloating but the interpretation on my remarks were actually placed on them by a Treasury press officer, representatives of the Treasury.”
As EU Commissioner Mr Mandelson said he would be committed to promoting growth and jobs in Europe.
This, he said, comes at a time when Europe faces “immense competitive challenges” from North America and emerging nations like China and India.
“So we really got to turn the corner economically and that’s what my policies will be dedicated to achieving.”
Mr Mandelson concluded saying he shared Gordon Brown’s views on a Europe committed to both reform and stimulating competitiveness.
