February 23, 2008

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Most people in Britain would not welcome the news of Tony Blair becoming the president of the European Union (EU), according to a poll by YouGov. 58 per cent of respondents do not want to see the former Labour party leader and prime minister take that job.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Most people in Britain would not welcome the news of Tony Blair becoming the president of the European Union (EU), according to a poll by YouGov. 58 per cent of respondents do not want to see the former Labour party leader and prime minister take that job.

Blair served as Britain’s prime minister since May 1997, winning majority mandates in the 1997, 2001 and 2005 elections to the House of Commons. In June 2007, Gordon Brown officially became Labour leader and prime minister, replacing Blair. Brown had worked as chancellor of the exchequer.

A new common European body of law, known as the Lisbon Treaty, has been ratified by most of the EU’s 27 members, including Britain. The document’s provisions call for the creation of new posts, such as a foreign policy chief, and a High Representative who will answer to EU governments and serve as vice-president of the European Commission.

Under the terms of the Lisbon Treaty, EU leaders would also choose a president of the European Council for a two and a half year renewable term. This will effectively eliminate the current six-month rotating presidency among member nations. The Lisbon Treaty also provides for the creation of a mutual defence clause, in case one of the member states is attacked.

If all countries ratify the treaty—whether through a referendum or a parliamentary vote—the body of law will become effective in January 2009. Ireland, due to its internal regulations, is the only country that must hold a nationwide vote on the Lisbon Treaty, while other governments can decide whether they want to do the same.

In October 2007, French president Nicolas Sarkozy nominated Blair as a possible candidate for the EU presidency, calling him "the most European of Englishmen."

On Feb. 21, Brown discussed his views on continental relations, saying, "I have no doubt that at this time of global uncertainty, we should not be even throwing into question, as some would, the stability of Britain’s relationships with the European Union nor our future membership. Indeed Britain must be at the centre of Europe working with other member states and working with the Commission to make the most of the opportunities that are now ahead of us."

Polling Data

Would you like to see Tony Blair become president of the European Union (EU)?

Yes, I would	24%
No, I would not	58%
Don’t know	18%

Source: YouGov
Methodology: Online interviews with 2,469 British adults, conducted on Feb. 14 and Feb. 15, 2008. No margin of error was provided.