Blair Attacks Conservative Party's European Policy

Tony Blair made a speech in Croatia yesterday, claiming that the alternative to Labour's pro-European policy is narrow-minded nationalism and misguided patriotism. The prime minister criticized the Conservative party's stance on the European Union's plans for a rapid reaction force, which will be used for humanitarian and peacekeeping missions. Blair stated that the EU force would only be used if Nato had chosen not to get involved, and that the past 23 operations involving British troops were multinational efforts, with 17 being outside Nato. He also hailed the prospect of the Balkan states joining the EU and reiterated that the EU is a "standing example" that past wars need not be repeated.

Key Takeaways:

• Tony Blair made a speech in Croatia, attacking the Conservative party's European policy and defending Labour's pro-European stance.
• Blair stated that the EU rapid reaction force would only be used if Nato had chosen not to get involved, highlighting the multinational nature of past operations involving British troops.
• The EU force would focus on humanitarian and peacekeeping missions, contradicting Tory claims that it amounts to a European army undermining Nato.
• Blair hailed the prospect of the Balkan states joining the EU, citing the EU as a "standing example" that shows past wars need not be repeated.
• William Hague, Conservative party leader, responded by claiming that Blair had been "rumbled" and was displaying a "temper tantrum".
• Chris Patten, EU's external relations commissioner, contradicted Hague's claims, stating that the EU force is not an attempt to undermine Nato or create a European army.

Statistics:

• 23 operations involving British troops in the past were multinational efforts.
• 17 of these operations were outside Nato.
• The EU rapid reaction force is intended for humanitarian and peacekeeping missions.

Sources:

• [Source not explicitly stated in the original text] stated that the prime minister is struggling to regain the initiative on Europe.
• Tony Blair's speech in Croatia, as reported by various news outlets.