Brown hails agreement on EU reforms

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The Prime Minister said the statement agreed at a one-day summit in Brussels was an "important signal" of where the EU's priorities now lay.

"We agreed specifically that it was time to move on from institutional changes," he told a news conference.

"We expect no change in the foreseeable future so that the Union will be able to fully concentrate on other challenges ahead. I think that is an important statement about the important priorities for the future."

It followed the signing on Thursday in Lisbon of the controversial EU Reform Treaty, which critics say revives the abandoned EU constitution - a claim the Government strongly denies.

The Prime Minister said the EU had agreed it had "responsibilities it had to meet" on Kosovo and would set up a security and defence mission to be sent there.

There was also agreement on a push for tougher sanctions on Iran - over its nuclear programme - and Burma, he said.

Mr Brown was asked if he regretted not being alongside fellow heads of state for the signing of the Treaty in Lisbon on Thursday. He has faced some criticism for arriving late for the ceremony after remaining in London to face questions from the Commons Liaison Committee of senior MPs.

"I was pleased to go to Lisbon yesterday and be at the signing of the Treaty. David (Miliband, Foreign Secretary) and I both played our part," he said.

"I, of course, had my other responsibilities that I agreed, I believe, on November 5, right at the beginning of November. That's why I was late."