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15/12/2003
Progress made at EU summit despite no agreeement: Blair
Prime Minister Tony Blair has said that "progress" has been made at the EU summit, despite talks breaking up without agreement.
Mr Blair said today said that negotiation among all 25 states was "always going to be difficult", and while no formal agreements emerged, there were 82 points where consensus was achieved.
"These included key changes on very important issues for the United Kingdom," he said.
"If this proceeds on the basis outlined by Prime Minister Berlusconi, tax, EU finance, social security and criminal law will all remain the province of the nation-state."
He said it would be a "serious mistake" to allow any British government to remove itself from the negotiations.
"We must continue to shape the future of Europe in ways that reflect our national interest. We can either be on the touchline shouting our criticism, or on the field as an active and successful player," he said.
Mr Blair and the leaders of France, Germany, Sweden and Holland have written a joint letter to the President of the European Commission "emphasising the need for budgetary discipline" in preparations for the new EU-budget.
(gmcg)
Mr Blair said today said that negotiation among all 25 states was "always going to be difficult", and while no formal agreements emerged, there were 82 points where consensus was achieved.
"These included key changes on very important issues for the United Kingdom," he said.
"If this proceeds on the basis outlined by Prime Minister Berlusconi, tax, EU finance, social security and criminal law will all remain the province of the nation-state."
He said it would be a "serious mistake" to allow any British government to remove itself from the negotiations.
"We must continue to shape the future of Europe in ways that reflect our national interest. We can either be on the touchline shouting our criticism, or on the field as an active and successful player," he said.
Mr Blair and the leaders of France, Germany, Sweden and Holland have written a joint letter to the President of the European Commission "emphasising the need for budgetary discipline" in preparations for the new EU-budget.
(gmcg)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Some low cloud lingering in the north and west through the day, although cloud should burn back to the coast as the day goes on. Elsewhere some good sunny spells with very little cloud. Warm with light winds. Maximum temperature 22 °C.Tonight:A sunny evening for most except where cloud lingers along the north coast. Cloud will increase for a lot of areas overnight with mist and fog patches developing. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
