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Miliband: Blair is the best choice to lead in Europe
Nicholas Cecil, Chief Political Correspondent26.10.09
Tony Blair was hailed as the best candidate for EU president because of his “coalition-building skills” — despite his role over the Iraq war.
Foreign Secretary David Miliband told BBC Radio: “The best candidate, if he is willing to be a candidate, is a former British prime minister who has shown persuasive advocacy, strong coalition-building skills and the ability to be taken seriously around the world.”
However, Opposition MPs flatly rejected the argument, highlighting how Mr Blair and President Bush divided the world with the invasion to topple Saddam Hussein. Shadow Europe Minister Mark Francois said: “Tony Blair was a divisive figure in Britain and in Europe as Prime Minister.”
In a speech to the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London today, Mr Miliband said Britain must take a lead in Europe if it is to retain its world influence.
The secretive appointment procedure means Mr Blair could effectively be named president of Europe - with no say for voters. A special EU summit, possibly next month, is expected to be held to finalise the decision.
Vauxhall's Kate Hoey said: "I don't want anyone to be president of Europe." She believes there will be considerable anger if Mr Blair, who she accused of taking Britain to war illegally in Iraq, became the "voice of Europe".
Glasgow's Ian Davidson said: "The Lisbon Treaty has not yet been ratified. I still hope that we will have a referendum in the UK and that the position of president will not be created."
Mr Blair is also facing opposition from the smaller EU countries, including Belgium and Luxembourg, who believe that he may represent the interest of big nations rather than all the 27 members.
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