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Blair's 'Grand Bargain' of EU concessions
Last updated at 22:52pm on 06.05.07Tony Blair is drawing up a "Grand Bargain" package of concessions to secure a deal on the EU constitution that could leave Gordon Brown facing a nightmare when he comes to power, it was claimed last night.
The Chancellor is growing increasingly alarmed at a secretive operation being masterminded by Mr Blair as one of his final acts in office, say Whitehall sources.
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The Chancellor is growing increasingly alarmed at a secretive operation being masterminded by Mr Blair as one of his final acts in office, say Whitehall sources
The Prime Minister will represent Britain at a vital EU summit at the end of June, days before he is due to hand over responsibility for relations with Brussels to Mr Brown.
The meeting will see a German-led attempt to revive the draft constitution that was roundly rejected by voters in France and Holland in 2005.
Officially Mr Blair has ruled out a new constitution and has instead said only a minor "amending treaty" would be acceptable.
But Whitehall sources say that behind the scenes he and his Europe adviser Kim Darroch are drawing up a negotiating strategy that could see a range of sensitive issues put on the table in an attempt to secure a major deal.
Ministers have been desperate to avoid an agreement that would have to be put to a referendum, which polls suggest the Government would lose.
But the Chancellor's allies fear the Prime Minister is ready to give ground on key issues in order to salvage his reputation across the Channel.
Mr Blair will leave Downing Street haunted by what some say is his failure to deliver on his promise to put Britain at the centre of Europe.
His attempts to scrap the pound and join the euro were quashed by Mr Brown, and the British public remain unconvinced that closer integration with the EU is necessary.
In an attempt to restore his credibility, Mr Blair is said to be considering a "Grand Bargain" plan that would involve giving way on issues such as the national veto in exchange for progress on agricultural subsidy reform.
Other areas for possible surrender include extending 48 hour working week rules and giving European judges a creater role in British law.
Germany, which holds the EU presidency, wants to revive parts of the constitution and is pressing Mr Blair to agree.
Ominously for Mr Blair, German leader Angela Merkel is eager to revive some of the most contentious parts of the failed constitution, including giving the EU a legal identity and introducing a "charter of fundamental rights".
Last night's victory for Nicolas Sarkozy in the French presidential elections could intensify pressure on the UK if he backs his fellow centre-right leader Ms Merkel.
Mr Blair's determination to deepen Britain's links with the EU could see Mr Brown inherit a deal he does not want, which he would then have to sell to the British people.
Some officials in Westminster claim that Mr Blair and Mr Brown are preparing a joint negotiating position, and there is talk of the Chancellor accompanying the Prime Minister to Brussels to show a united front.
But sources close to the Brown camp complain that Number 10 is refusing to show its hand. The Chancellor has ordered his close confidant Ed Balls, the City minister, to lead Treasury efforts to shape the British position.
"We aren't being told what they are up to. It is very secretive. Our worry is that in an attempt to pull off a coup they will give away too much and damage Gordon," one source said.
Mr Blair will resign as Labour leader on Thursday, but will stay on until his successor is confirmed on June 30, a week after the EU summit.
