Blair Denounces Eurosceptic Press as "Fundamentally Dishonest"

Tony Blair launched his fiercest attack yet on the Eurosceptic press, denouncing it as fundamentally dishonest in its coverage of plans for an EU defence force. The Prime Minister's remarks, during a visit to Moscow, were seen as part of a new uncompromisingly pro-European strategy as Tory opposition grew louder. Blair's comments were aimed at countering claims that the proposed EU rapid reaction force would become a European army, with Tory opposition leader William Hague branding the plans as a "monumental folly" and a threat to Nato.

Key Takeaways:

Tony Blair launched a fierce attack on the Eurosceptic press, labeling it "fundamentally dishonest" in its coverage of EU defence force plans.
Blair's remarks were aimed at countering claims that the proposed EU rapid reaction force would become a European army.
Tory opposition leader William Hague branded the plans as a "monumental folly" and a threat to Nato.
Blair's comments were made during a visit to Moscow as part of a new uncompromisingly pro-European strategy.
The proposed EU rapid reaction force would have a solely peacekeeping and humanitarian role, with any mission involving British troops requiring consent from the Government.
The force's role would be used only where Nato did not want to be engaged.
Tory strategists believe the pooling of EU military muscle has given them a chance to revive the old image of a Labour Party weak on defence.
Blair's past as a CND member was referred to by Hague as an attempt to discredit him on defence issues.

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21 The Times (Copyright 2000)
No specific statistics were mentioned in the article

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