Tony Blair Presses Ahead with Labour-Liberal Democrat Tie-Up

Tony Blair is set to preside over a meeting of the joint Labour-Liberal Democrat cabinet committee, marking a significant step forward in his efforts to strengthen ties between the two parties. The agenda for the meeting will be focused on developing proposals for a European defence and security policy, as well as joint work on welfare reform policies and preparations for the single currency. This move has been met with criticism from within Labour's own ranks, with some MPs and cabinet ministers expressing concern that links with the Liberal Democrats have gone too far.

Key Takeaways:

• Tony Blair will preside over a meeting of the joint Labour-Liberal Democrat cabinet committee, moving beyond constitutional issues for the first time.
• The meeting will focus on developing proposals for a European defence and security policy, as well as joint work on welfare reform policies and preparations for the single currency.
• Senior Liberal Democrats will discuss with ministers ways to develop Mr Blair's proposals for a European defence and security policy.
• Later this year, the two parties are expected to work jointly on welfare reform policies and preparations for the single currency.
• Tony Blair has refused to rule out including Paddy Ashdown, the Liberal Democrat leader, in a coalition cabinet, amidst concerns from Labour traditionalists.
• Some Labour MPs, including John Prescott and Gordon Brown, have expressed opposition to the initiative, with some seeking to form an alliance to oppose it.
• Gwyneth Dunwoody and Dennis Skinner have also spoken out against widening Labour-Liberal Democrat co-operation.
• Tony Blair's official spokesman has stated that the prime minister will not back down from his plans, despite growing criticism.
• The Labour-Liberal Democrat tie-up has been described as an opportunity to build a modern form of politics.

Statistics:

• 1999: The year in which Tony Blair is working to strengthen ties with the Liberal Democrats (_Financial Times, 1999_).
• Expected later this year: The two parties are expected to work jointly on welfare reform policies and preparations for the single currency (_Financial Times, 1999_).
• Labour MPs: Some Labour MPs, including John Prescott and Gordon Brown, have expressed opposition to the initiative (_Financial Times, 1999_).
• Cabinet committee meeting: The meeting will be focused on developing proposals for a European defence and security policy (_Financial Times, 1999_).

Sources:

• _Financial Times_ (28 October 1999)
• _Undivided loyalties, Page 28 Copyright Financial Times Limited 1999. All Rights Reserved._