Blair in climate change action call

12 April 2012

Tony Blair called on fellow European heads to lead the way on climate change when they gather in Brussels later this week.

The Prime Minister expressed optimism that progress could also be made on energy security and deregulation at the European Council on Thursday and Friday.

"I think there is the real possibility of showing how Europe can lead a debate on climate change, on energy security and on deregulation in the interests of a more competitive European economy," he said.

"And we've got a fantastic opportunity I think under the German presidency of showing real leadership on this issue."

Mr Blair, who was speaking in 10 Downing Street after talks with Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt, has made climate change one of the main challenges of his final months in office.

He is especially keen to secure the framework of a post-2012 agreement on climate change goals at the next G8 summit in Germany this summer.

The premier said he and Mr Reinfeldt had found common ground on major issues facing EU leaders.

"We both favour strong targets and action on climate change, we are committed to energy liberalisation and we want to see deregulation and better regulation in Europe as a way of making sure the European economy faces up to the competitive pressures of the future," Mr Blair told reporters.

He also paid tribute to a Swedish proposal to increase their commitments in Afghanistan.

"This is immensely important for all the reasons that we know and it shows what a strong and valuable partner Sweden is for the international community," he said.

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