Blair seeks opt-outs from new EU treaty

Tony Blair will demand three opt-outs for Britain before signing up to the revived European constitution at his final appearance on the international stage next week.

The Prime Minister will refuse to give up the British veto on foreign policy, employment and criminal law when he attends a summit of EU leaders in Brussels. It will discuss plans for a "mini-treaty" to replace the more grandiose constitution rejected by the voters of France and the Netherlands two years ago.

Government sources deny any rift between Mr Blair and Gordon Brown, who will not attend the Brussels summit but will have to live with the decisions taken by the outgoing prime minister. The two men are said to be working closely on the Government's approach to the negotiations.

Britain will not be alone in seeking changes to the draft statement drawn up by Germany, which holds the EU's rotating presidency. Agreement may be scuppered by other countries such as Poland, which wants the agreement to recognise Europe's Christian heritage.

The proposed treaty would extend the number of EU decisions taken by qualified majority voting to prevent gridlock in the 27-member bloc.

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