Blair and Hague Engage in Bitter EU Slanging Match

The Prime Minister and the Opposition leader locked horns over Europe in the House of Commons, with Tony Blair branding Tory policy as being dictated by "lunatics" and "headbangers". William Hague fired back, accusing Blair of selling Britain's interests down the river and failing to provide leadership on EU matters. The exchange came as Blair reported back to MPs on the recent EU summit in Vienna, where leaders sidestepped contentious budget negotiations but made progress on issues like tax, employment, and defense policies. Blair emphasized that Britain's engagement in Europe was crucial, but Hague countered that Blair's approach would "profoundly damage" the country.

Key Takeaways:

• Tony Blair accused William Hague of being surrounded by "lunatics" and "headbangers" who dictate Tory policy on Europe.
• Hague retaliated, stating that Blair's "failure of leadership" would leave Britain facing its greatest threat to independence in decades.
• The EU summit in Vienna saw significant progress on single market policies, but Blair downplayed concerns about future budget negotiations.
• Blair emphasized that Britain's engagement in Europe was essential, but Hague argued that Blair's approach would "damage" the country.
• Hague criticized Blair for signing up to EU studies on company and energy taxation, which could lead to new taxes on British businesses and jobs.
• Blair's comments on the British media and the Pounds 2 billion-a-year rebate have been criticized as contradictory and potentially damaging to Britain's interests.

Statistics:

• 15 EU leaders attended the recent summit in Vienna.
• 2005 is the target year for EU enlargement, with Cyprus, Hungary, Poland, Estonia, the Czech Republic, and Slovenia hoping to join.
• The current duty-free regime will be abolished next June.
• EU finance ministers are considering extending duty-free goods, but not necessarily reprieve the current regime.

Sources:

• The Times, 1998.
• European Union Sixth-monthly Summit, Vienna.
• House of Commons Debate, Opposition leader William Hague.