Blair says EU elections were a “wake-up call”

Tony Blair will today call for reform of the EU, following European election results that the former-PM called a “wake-up call”. In a speech to the CBI, Blair will react not only to UKIP’s victory in the UK, but also the success of the French Front National, saying:

“The election of parties across the continent on explicitly ‘anti-the-status-quo in Europe’ platforms signify something. They cannot be ignored.”

“The election results matter. They are a wake-up call to Europe and to Britain. Our response in Europe, as in Britain, should be to lead, not follow.”

The details of what Blair is proposing by way of reform appear vague at present, but he’s clear that change within Europe is necessary, and that Britain must play a leading role – not just in terms of renegotiation, but in terms of leadership:

“Even among those who are in favour of Europe, there is a keen sense that the moment is right for Europe to think carefully about where it goes from here, how it reconnects with the concerns of its citizens, and how it changes in order better to realise its ideals in a changing world.”

“It has to be a debate elevated to a Europe-wide level, with Britain playing a leading role, not just a negotiation of Britain’s terms of membership. It has to be about what is good for Europe as well as what is good for Britain.”

Blair will doubtless say that he has no interest in any role as a future European leadership role – however if he were planning a run at such a role, this would be a strong opening statement of intent…