The usually reliably skeptical Glenn Reynolds falls for Blair’s meaningless “attack” on the EU’s economic and social model. In fact, this much-hyped debate on the direction of the EU is nothing more than rather mediocre theater. Blair knows that there will be no substantial reform of how the EU runs itself any time soon or, for that matter, in the way that the continent’s wider economic arrangements are handled. What he is doing, however, is (a) trying to ensure that it is France rather than Britain that is seen as “isolated” within the EU, and (b) preparing to announce a minor EU reform or two (or even an agreement to talk about reform) so that he can then climb down on the UK’s rebate.

With Blair, it’s always more important to concentrate on deeds than words. His government has spent the last eight years trying to align the previously free market UK more fully with the EU’s economic, tax and regulatory model. And it continues to do so. With gusto.What a fraud.