Blair returns to election trail with backing for Miliband on Europe – and warning of Tory “chaos”

Tony Blair had already been involved in the general election campaign by donating £106,000 to the party, but today he’ll make one of his first party speeches for several years – to back Ed Miliband on Europe and warn that another Tory government would represent chaos.

Whilst Miliband and Blair might not be ideological soul-mates, the two men are both firmly in agreement on Europe – both believing Britain is better off in Europe, and neither wanting to put that at risk with an EU referendum.

In a speech in Newton Aycliffe – part of his former constituency in Sedgefield -Blair will argue that Cameron’s decision to hold a referendum came about because of pressure from UKIP and the Tory right – and that appeasing such groups will lead to “chaos” for investment and jobs.

Blair will also praise Miliband’s “real leadership” and say that “he is his own man, with his own convictions and determined to follow them even when they go against the tide. I respect that” – of course that’s particularly interesting as some of Miliband’s convictions have been contrary to Blair’s own ideas.

This isn’t the only intervention we should expect from Blair either – he will be taking part in other Labour campaign events over the course of this week.

Here are the key extracts of what Blair is expected to say today –

On Britain’s membership of Europe and David Cameron’s decision to put that at risk:

“I believe passionately that leaving Europe would leave Britain diminished in the world, do significant damage to our economy and, less obviously but just as important to our future, would go against the very qualities and ambitions that mark us out still as a great global nation.”

On the reasons for David Cameron’s decision to put Britain’s future at risk in an attempt to win back UKIP voters or appease sections of the Tory party and the press:

“And the oddest thing of all about David Cameron’s position? The PM doesn’t really believe we should leave Europe; not even the Europe as it is today. This was a concession to Party, a manoeuvre to access some of the UKIP vote, a sop to the rampant anti-Europe feeling of parts of the media. This issue, touching as it does the country’s future, is too important to be traded like this.”

On Ed Miliband resisting such pressure:

“It is greatly to Ed Miliband’s credit that he resolutely refused to make that trade. He faced down calls to follow the Tory concession from the media and many inside our Party. In doing so, he showed real leadership. He showed that he would put the interests of the country first. He showed that on this, as on other issues, he is his own man, with his own convictions and determined to follow them even when they go against the tide. I respect that.”

On the chaos the Tories would cause to Britain’s national interest:

“The Tory campaign talks of chaos should Labour win. Think of the chaos produced by the possibility never mind the reality of Britain quitting Europe. Jobs that are secure suddenly insecure; investment decisions postponed or cancelled; a pall of unpredictability hanging over the British economy.”

On the danger of under-estimating the risk to business of leaving Europe:

“There is, in my view, a complete under-estimation of the short term pain of negotiating exit. There would be a raft of different Treaties, association agreements and partnerships to be dis-entangled and re-negotiated. There would be significant business uncertainty in the run-up to a vote but should the vote go the way of exit, then there would be the most intense period of business anxiety, reconsideration of options and instability since the war…The rest of Europe will be vigorous in ensuring Britain gets no special treatment. This will be a horrible process. Don’t be in any doubt about that… If I was leading a business dependent on access to the Single Market or more important employed in such a business, then the issue of Europe and the risks of this  would be a big decider in my vote.”

On the risks to Britain’s place in the world and global security in an era defined by the rise of China and India, as well as terrorism and resurgent Russian nationalism:

“Do we really think this is the time in which to put into play our very membership of the European Union, the largest commercial market and most developed political union in the world? And the one on our doorstep? So that instead of playing a leading role in resolving these common challenges, we would decide to engage in the juddering impact of a negotiation which would weaken all these alliances and put us out of the leadership game?

On those who want Britain to leave Europe:

“Reflect on the forces leading this campaign to get us out: UKIP, and the right of the Tory Party. Ask yourself this question: do they represent that spirit? Are they the standard bearers of an open-minded culturally tolerant Britain? Are creativity, innovation and curiosity about what we can learn from the world their hallmarks? We know what this movement to wrench us out of Europe is based on… UKIP talks about a new politics. But their politics is the oldest politics in history.”

And on how they do not represent the spirit of modern Britain:

“This is why this debate over Europe matters more than we know… It is about character. It is about who we are and where we’re going as a nation. A decision to exit Europe would say a lot about us and none of it good: that an adventurous country has become a timid one; that one with global ambitions has opted to be a parochial bystander; that a country known for its openness to the world shuts the open door nearest to it; that a nation which has built its history on confidence towards others defines itself by resentment to others; that, with all the challenges of the world crowding in upon us, demanding strong and clear leadership, instead of saying ‘here’s where the world should go’, we say ‘count us out’.”

On the choice in this election:

“So think about that vote on May 7th. Think of the consequences of a re-elected Tory Government making the central question of the next Parliament whether we get out of Europe. Think about the risk. Think about our past and our future. Labour and its Leader took a brave decision when they decided not to yield to pressure but instead to make the principled and intelligent case for Britain in Europe. In doing so, they showed that they understand Britain’s future and its destiny better than those prepared to trade policy for political advantage. That is one very good reason, amongst many others, for voting Labour on May 7th. I want Labour to win. I want us to win for the future of our country and its place in the world. I want Labour, under Ed’s leadership, to be the Government of our country on May 8th. I believe we can and will do it.”