Blair axes plan to put EU treaty to the vote / Blair aims to bow out as EU champion

As the United Kingdom Prime Minister, Tony Blair, comes to the end of his time in office he discusses Britain's relationship with the EU and the challenges facing the EU with the FT and selected European newspapers.

He talked of his strategy to offer other European leaders a way of avoiding a referendum on the proposed Constitutional Treaty in the UK - which eurosceptics would expect to win - but only if they accept a modest treaty. He said he would agree at the European Council in June 2007, just days before he leaves office, a scaled-back version of the EU constitution that would not be put to the British public.

BBC News, 20.4.07: 'No UK referendum' on EU changes http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6574411.stm

United Kingdom: 10 Downing Street: Press Briefing, 20.4.07: http://www.number-10.gov.uk/output/Page11501.asp

The Independent, 21.4.07: Alternative treaty gives hope to a European constitution http://news.independent.co.uk/europe/article2469266.ece

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