Tomorrow's Guardian/Indie Editorial

Now Blair Must Make The Case For Europe

The results of the European elections, and the rise of UKIP, have shown us all the limits of a policy based on the avoidance of confronting complex, and therefore potentially unpopular, issues. While such a sophisticated politician was well aware of the pitfalls involved in saying nothing, abandoning his principles, and hoping the issue would remain low on voter priorities, with hindsight this decision can be seen as fatally flawed.

His decision has had repercussions abroad. Our European partners despair of his lack of stomach for the fight and his failure to defend the proven need for closer European integration, which has weakened British influence with important allies.

It is now time for Mr Blair to stand by his European partners, robustly defend EU ideals, confront the Eurosceptic press - and be prepared for months of tough political struggle in the political bear-pits of Britain. Acceptance of the EU constitution is a battle which Mr Blair can - and must - win.




Time To Say 'I Was Wrong' Over Iraq

The results of the elections, and the collapse in the Labour vote to anti-war parties, have shown us all the limits of a policy based on personal conviction in the face of overwhelming voter hostility. While such a sophisticated politician was well aware of the pitfalls involved in fiercely defending his policies and sticking unswervingly to his principles, with hindsight this decision can be seen as fatally flawed.

His decision has had repercussions abroad. Our French, German, Russian and Chinese partners despair of his stomach for the fight and his defence of ever-closer links with George Bush's America, which has weakened British influence with important allies.

It is now time for Mr Blair to detach himself from American foreign policy, withdraw our troops immediately from Iraq, apologise to those newspapers which bravely opposed the war - and be prepared for months of weary diplomacy, emollience and fence-mending in the political arenas of Britain and the chancelleries of the world. Iraq is a battle which he cannot - and should not - win.