Tories Warn of British Backlash to Blair ‘Presidency’

William Hague warns European leaders today to expect a backlash if they make Tony Blair the first president of Europe.

The Shadow Foreign Secretary told The Times: “There could be no worse way to sell the EU to the people of Britain.”

He dangled the prospect of a referendum in Britain to take back powers from Brussels, even if a “yes” vote in the Irish Republic leads to the rapid ratification of the Lisbon treaty. He also indicated that the Conservatives would use a Blair presidency to mobilise opposition in such a vote on Britain’s relationship with Europe.

Read more...