A fortnight ago this magazine praised the Prime Minister for a statesmanlike speech in which he made the case for abolishing agricultural subsidies and dismantling tariff barriers on food from the developing world. We repeat our assertion that if Mr Blair achieves this, it will be a legacy well worthy of honour. Unfortunately, however, he appears to be wimping out at the first hurdle. It is reported from within Whitehall that, in spite of having promised not to surrender the British rebate unless there is significant reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), the Prime Minister is preparing a fudge. The rebate will be split into two, part of which will be given up and part of which will be retained.
Tony Blair will no doubt claim it as a triumph of his negotiating skills, just as John Major was apt to do when similarly capitulating in the EU conference chamber.
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