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EU treaty 'in Britain's interest' EU treaty 'in Britain's interest'
(29 minutes later)
The treaty agreed by EU member states is "quintessentially" in Britain's interests, Tony Blair has said.The treaty agreed by EU member states is "quintessentially" in Britain's interests, Tony Blair has said.
The prime minister told MPs the government had achieved a "leadership position" within Europe.The prime minister told MPs the government had achieved a "leadership position" within Europe.
The treaty, expected to be finalised later this year, preserves much of the planned EU constitution, rejected by Dutch and French voters in 2005.The treaty, expected to be finalised later this year, preserves much of the planned EU constitution, rejected by Dutch and French voters in 2005.
Conservative leader David Cameron said Mr Blair had "broken" a promise to hold a referendum.Conservative leader David Cameron said Mr Blair had "broken" a promise to hold a referendum.
He accused the prime minister of handing powers to the EU "without the permission of the British people".He accused the prime minister of handing powers to the EU "without the permission of the British people".
Completely protectedCompletely protected
The treaty gives an opt-out on a human and social rights charter and keeps an independent foreign policy and tax and benefit arrangements.The treaty gives an opt-out on a human and social rights charter and keeps an independent foreign policy and tax and benefit arrangements.
Mr Blair, in a statement to the Commons, said the UK's social security and benefits system was "completely protected".Mr Blair, in a statement to the Commons, said the UK's social security and benefits system was "completely protected".
Ireland is set for a referendum... meat and drink to those arguing Britain should have one too BBC Europe editor Mark Mardell Read Mark's thoughts in full
The EU's powers to set "substantive" foreign policy would not be extended, he added.The EU's powers to set "substantive" foreign policy would not be extended, he added.
"The new treaty will confirm for the first time explicitly that national security is the sole responsibility of nation states," Mr Blair said."The new treaty will confirm for the first time explicitly that national security is the sole responsibility of nation states," Mr Blair said.
This will be remembered as one of the most flagrant breaches of any of the promises you have made David Cameron
The treaty is planned to replace the failed EU constitution.The treaty is planned to replace the failed EU constitution.
Mr Blair and his successor Gordon Brown insist a referendum is not required because Britain's "red lines" - control over human and social rights, foreign policy and tax and benefits - have not been crossed.Mr Blair and his successor Gordon Brown insist a referendum is not required because Britain's "red lines" - control over human and social rights, foreign policy and tax and benefits - have not been crossed.
However, Irish foreign minister Dermot Ahern has said it is "likely" a public vote will be held there.However, Irish foreign minister Dermot Ahern has said it is "likely" a public vote will be held there.
'Flagrant'
Mr Blair had pledged to hold a referendum on the constitution but the government says the changes included in the Reform Treaty are not significant enough to warrant one.Mr Blair had pledged to hold a referendum on the constitution but the government says the changes included in the Reform Treaty are not significant enough to warrant one.
Amid noisy scenes, Mr Blair told MPs: "Over the past 10 years Britain has moved from the margins of European debate to the centre. This is absolutely right for Britain."Amid noisy scenes, Mr Blair told MPs: "Over the past 10 years Britain has moved from the margins of European debate to the centre. This is absolutely right for Britain."
He added: "Britain has for a decade been in a leadership position in Europe. That is exactly where we should stay."He added: "Britain has for a decade been in a leadership position in Europe. That is exactly where we should stay."
But Mr Cameron said Mr Blair had sanctioned the transfer of powers from Britain to Brussels "without the permission of the British people".But Mr Cameron said Mr Blair had sanctioned the transfer of powers from Britain to Brussels "without the permission of the British people".
He added: "This will be remembered as one of the most flagrant breaches of any of the promises you have made."He added: "This will be remembered as one of the most flagrant breaches of any of the promises you have made."