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President Blair push 'dismissed' President Blair push 'dismissed'
(about 5 hours later)
Number 10 has dismissed as speculation reports that Gordon Brown has asked senior officials to lobby in Europe for Tony Blair to become its new president.Number 10 has dismissed as speculation reports that Gordon Brown has asked senior officials to lobby in Europe for Tony Blair to become its new president.
The Guardian says Europe adviser John Cunliffe and EU ambassador Kim Darroch are discreetly taking soundings.The Guardian says Europe adviser John Cunliffe and EU ambassador Kim Darroch are discreetly taking soundings.
But the prime minister simply said he would back Mr Blair if he put himself forward for the role.But the prime minister simply said he would back Mr Blair if he put himself forward for the role.
The post will be created only if the Lisbon Treaty is ratified, with only the Czech Republic yet to sign up.The post will be created only if the Lisbon Treaty is ratified, with only the Czech Republic yet to sign up.
A hearing on the treaty is due to be held later on Tuesday by the Czech Constitutional Court.A hearing on the treaty is due to be held later on Tuesday by the Czech Constitutional Court.
The most pragmatic thing is to try and make sure that we have a European Union that is far more effective on the global stage Chris Bryant class="" href="/2/hi/europe/8327190.stm">Czech court to hear Lisbon case 'Strong voice'
If the court rules the treaty is legal under Czech law, then pressure on President Vaclav Klaus to sign it will increase.If the court rules the treaty is legal under Czech law, then pressure on President Vaclav Klaus to sign it will increase.
'Dastardly and Mutley' Meanwhile Mr Blair's undeclared campaign for the EU presidency has stoked a row between his supporters and the Conservative Party.
Meanwhile Mr Blair's undeclared campaign for the EU presidency has stoked a row between his supporters and the Conservative party. The most pragmatic thing is to try and make sure that we have a European Union that is far more effective on the global stage Chris Bryant class="" href="/2/hi/europe/8327190.stm">Czech court to hear Lisbon case
The Tories have promised a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty if it is not ratified by all 27 EU member states and if they win the general election next year.The Tories have promised a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty if it is not ratified by all 27 EU member states and if they win the general election next year.
Foreign Secretary David Miliband said on Monday that the EU needed Mr Blair's "strong, persuasive voice".Foreign Secretary David Miliband said on Monday that the EU needed Mr Blair's "strong, persuasive voice".
He told the BBC: "This is a time when a strong European voice is more needed than ever, it's not a time for shy retiring violets... Europe needs a strong, persuasive, articulate advocate."He told the BBC: "This is a time when a strong European voice is more needed than ever, it's not a time for shy retiring violets... Europe needs a strong, persuasive, articulate advocate."
But Conservative Europe spokesman Mark Francois said he was concerned Mr Blair would not be best for the EU.But Conservative Europe spokesman Mark Francois said he was concerned Mr Blair would not be best for the EU.
He said: "Tony Blair was forced out of office in this country by his own party, and now we have Labour politicians desperately running around saying he should get this job."He said: "Tony Blair was forced out of office in this country by his own party, and now we have Labour politicians desperately running around saying he should get this job."
The government has accused the Tories of "plotting" to undermine Mr Blair's chances of landing the job.The government has accused the Tories of "plotting" to undermine Mr Blair's chances of landing the job.
Europe Minister Chris Bryant compared the shadow foreign secretary William Hague and Mr Francois to two cartoon characters.Europe Minister Chris Bryant compared the shadow foreign secretary William Hague and Mr Francois to two cartoon characters.
He told BBC Newsnight: "Dastardly and Mutley, William Hague and Mark Francois, can wander around trying to do your Wacky Races little wheezes but the truth of the matter is, all that matters here is what delivers for Britain.He told BBC Newsnight: "Dastardly and Mutley, William Hague and Mark Francois, can wander around trying to do your Wacky Races little wheezes but the truth of the matter is, all that matters here is what delivers for Britain.
"And that most patriotic thing, the most pragmatic thing is to try and make sure that we have a European Union that is far more effective on the global stage.""And that most patriotic thing, the most pragmatic thing is to try and make sure that we have a European Union that is far more effective on the global stage."
'Rejection fears''Rejection fears'
Although Mr Blair has not publically announced his intention to campaign for the presidency, BBC Newsnight's political editor Michael Crick said Mr Blair's friends had confirmed he wanted the job. Although Mr Blair has not publicly announced his intention to campaign for the presidency, BBC Newsnight's political editor Michael Crick said Mr Blair's friends had confirmed he wanted the job.
Mr Crick also suggested Mr Blair had not declared himself as a candidate because he did not want to face the humiliation of possible rejection.Mr Crick also suggested Mr Blair had not declared himself as a candidate because he did not want to face the humiliation of possible rejection.
However opposition to Mr Blair as EU president has spread beyond the Conservative party.However opposition to Mr Blair as EU president has spread beyond the Conservative party.
Former foreign secretary Lord Owen said the ex-prime minister's handling of the Iraq war showed he was unfit for the job.Former foreign secretary Lord Owen said the ex-prime minister's handling of the Iraq war showed he was unfit for the job.
He told the BBC: "I believe that disqualification from high office follows if you do not tell the truth to the House of Commons on a very serious question like going to war."He told the BBC: "I believe that disqualification from high office follows if you do not tell the truth to the House of Commons on a very serious question like going to war."
BBC Europe editor Gavin Hewitt said European leaders were divided between those who want a charismatic figure to be the face of Europe internationally and those who wanted a more modest "business manager".BBC Europe editor Gavin Hewitt said European leaders were divided between those who want a charismatic figure to be the face of Europe internationally and those who wanted a more modest "business manager".