Press and Photo Gallery
Blair Papers over the Cracks of a Listless and Drifting Presidency
Tuesday, 20 December 2005
UK Prime Minister Tony Blair got a cool reception from MEPs today as he visited the European Parliament in Brussels to try to paint Britain's six-month presidency of the EU as a success.
Mr Blair's visit was the culmination of a presidency which has disappointed European politicians on all sides for its poor focus, absence of leadership and lack of achievements.
Timothy Kirkhope, leader of the British Conservatives in the European Parliament, said:
"There was no leadership on the future of Europe without the constitution. There was no leadership on reforming the social model. There was no leadership on achieving a properly reformed EU budget.
"Tony Blair has failed to protect the British interest. He has given away £7 billion. What has he got in return? Nothing. The British people have been deceived. We have just a vague and meaningless promise that farm spending will be reviewed in 2008.
"History will judge this presidency as a series of wasted opportunities. There is so much that could have been done. Instead, there has been drift, indecision and an absence of leadership.
"For Europe this presidency has proved what we in Britain have known for some time - that the Prime Minister is big on spin but sadly lacking in substance."
ENDS
