UK odd one out again

Published on Sunday 17 March 2002 00:00

HOW far the UK’s relations with Europe have come since the dark days of the Thatcherite refuseniks .

Tony Blair promised as much when he took over from the Tories in 1997, declaring that the country would henceforth pursue "constructive engagement" with the European Union. That was gleefully welcomed by continental partners wearied by almost two decades of dealing with one sulky colleague dragging its feet and holding up their grand plans for European progress.

The Prime Minister still believes in his doctrine, and regards it as one aspiration New Labour has delivered, even if no one else does. As the Barcelona summit spluttered to an ill-tempered, ill-defined close yesterday, Blair reminded everyone how the EU’s regular gatherings are no longer characterised by "Britain staying out there in some isolation room, while others make the decisions".

However, the summit - projected by Blair himself as "make or break" for economic reform across the Union - has produced results that he himself admits appear "nerdy".

More significantly, Britain is once again at odds with her most powerful partners - chiefly over support for the expected US military strikes against Iraq.

EU president Romano Prodi set the tone before the summit had even finished, warning Britain and the US that the EU might oppose any extension of the war on terrorism to Iraq.

Many at the summit are exasperated with his continuing courtship of right-wing counterparts, notably Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi, and their united front against legislation designed to improve workers’ rights. German chancellor Gerhard Schroder’s response was withering: "If Tony Blair thinks the American model is right for Britain and Silvio Berlusconi wants to apply it to Italy, then they should do that in their own countries."