The Squeaky Wheel

The French have long believed that they had a right to their own way in the EU. They have therefore developed selfish intransigence to the level of an art form and are usually handsomely rewarded for their efforts. The squeaky wheel getting the grease. So when they block all chance of reform, do we stick the proverbial two fingers up at them and dig in our heels? Do we hell:

Tony Blair, Britain's prime minister, will this week launch a new bid to patch up relations with France, in a drive to secure a deal on a new European Union budget and build a consensus on economic reform.

He is backing Barroso’s solidarity fund idea.

The British prime minister has surprised many diplomats by backing a European Commission plan to create an EU “global adjustment fund”.

He wants to persuade them to back reforms, with 3.5 billion Euros of our money. What’s the odds on them receiving the cash and still refusing to budge?