Blair now bears a heavy responsibility for Europe's future

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Sat 18th Jun 2005

"Since neither Tony Blair not Jacques Chirac were prepared to make the concessions necessary for agreement to be reached on the future of EU financing at this weekend's summit, Tony Blair now has the responsibility under the UK Presidency of the EU to build a new consensus that will move Europe forward and avoid stagnation", said Graham Watson, leader of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats in the European Parliament.

"The 190th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo today should prove a salutary reminder that both Britain and France share a duty to ensure that the Europe of 25 or more Member States works together peacefully and avoids the tribal warfare of the past."

"Next Thursday (23rd June), when he addresses the European Parliament, Tony Blair must show that Britain is finally prepared to engage fully in shaping a Europe which not only meets the enormous global challenges ahead but enjoys the confidence of its citizens."

"Liberals and Democrats welcome the prospect of a more open and competitive Europe which the French no vote may have unwittingly advanced but it must be one in which Britain is prepared to both play and pay its fair part", concluded Watson.