Prodigal's return disguises lack of any new thinking

Article Abstract:

There are now very few people in the Conservative party who dare to express positive views about the UK's links with the European Union. Michael Portillo and Malcolm Rifkind both made strongly anti-Europe speeches at the Conservative party conference, and Portillo's overtly nationalistic tone was a cause of considerable embarrassment to prime minister John Major. It is now clear that the Conservative party will use the Labour party's federal tendencies as a key theme in the run-up to the next general election.

Conservative Party (United Kingdom)

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A Chancellor at the end of his tether

Article Abstract:

Chancellor Kenneth Clarke remains firmly opposed to a referendum on the issue of a single European currency, and is most unlikely to be persuaded to change his mind. This brings him into direct conflict with the prime minister's office, Conservative Central Office and the Foreign Office, which are believed to be moving in favour of holding a referendum. Prime minister John Major is under strong pressure from Euro-sceptics, and has persuaded other ministers that holding a referendum may be the best solution.

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This, finally, is Clarke's sticking point

Article Abstract:

Chancellor Kenneth Clarke remains strongly pro-European, and this is making him increasingly isolated as other senior Conservatives become more and more anti-European. It now seems possible that he may be driven to resign over the issue of whether a referendum should be held on monetary union. He must now decide whether this is an issue over which it would be worth sacrificing his political career.

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