"Blair was a leading player in Europe"

Question 1

Agree

Answer 1

• Took an enthusiastic role in European initiatives on issues such as climate change, world trade, and aiming to make poverty history by reforming aid in Africa.
• Most pro-European PM since Heath
• Excellent relationship with leaders of the other European countries, including Nicholas Sarkonzy of France, as well as the German Chancellor Angela Merkel
• By 2007, there was 27 states in the EU - personal drive to expand the EU
• Ensured that Britain has close relationship with the countries of Eastern Europe that joined the EU. Poland + Baltic states especially close allies.

Question 2

Disagree

Answer 2

• Limit to Blair’s influence was shown in the arguments surrounding the British rebate and the CAP (Common Agriculture Policy)
• Progress on Aid to Africa and Climate Change was slow
• Britain’s position on Europe overall remained ambivalent
• Britain had not joined the Euro
• National Press remained deeply suspicious of the EU
• Britain’s very close relationship with the USA during this time, as especially her role in the Iraq War, drove a wedge between Britain and her European partners.