No certainties
- 22 Aug 07, 02:58 PM
The German leader, Angela Merkel is making her first during Gordon Brown's premiership. (You might remember it's not the first time they have met as leaders - Gordon Brown raised a few eyebrows by choosing to go first to Berlin as PM, rather than across the pond to visit George W Bush).
I'm told the two leaders are discussing health matters in the developing world. But what is not officially on the agenda, and what at the beginning of the summer Gordon Brown didn't really fancy talking about either, is the draft EU reform treaty.
As we reported on the Ten O'Clock News a few weeks ago, the Conservatives claim it is literally a 'cut and paste job' of the former EU constitution. Yes, the one Tony Blair a referendum on. But it never got to that, because French and Dutch voters threw it out so EU leaders had to go back to the drawing board coming up with the draft that was agreed in June.
Gordon Brown and his ministers still insist there doesn't need to be a referendum because the new treaty is substantively different to the constitution. Their case isn't helped though by the succession of prominent EU bigwigs who have queued up to point out just how similar the documents are.
Emboldened by this, the Conservatives are keeping their foot on the gas, demanding again today that a public vote go ahead.
And now, Gordon Brown faces similar demands from the left. Four unions are tabling motions at the upcoming TUC conference for a referendum to take place, although this isn't so much about the referendum as political tactics.
The RMT, Unite, Unison and the GMB's desire is to push the government into opting in to the charter of fundamental rights. The TUC as a whole hasn't yet made its mind up on taking a position on this. But union whispers tell me there are plenty in the movement who want to make as much noise about this as possible to force Gordon Brown's hand. If they got what they wanted on that, unlikely I suspect, their demands for a referendum might miraculously disappear.
But the PM, who after all, said he wanted a new style of government, with more consultation of 'the people', could face a tough break explaining to critics on the left and the right who are ramping up their demands for the public to be allowed a say.
With critics on both political sides pressing hard in this debate, it can't be that comfortable in the middle.
PS. I'm about to leave Westminster for the probably-not-sunnier climes of the Highlands. As I do so, it's interesting to note that the issue at stake today is one on almost the first day of the summer.
Blogging activity will resume in early September on Nick's return. If you'd like to read an archive of my posts, click here.
One hospital in Telford received an apology from the party today for it being included on their list. Except, in the last hour there has been an '' from Andrew Lansley, the shadow health minister, saying he stands by the claim and saying the apology shouldn't have been made after all. 
