Is Blair seriously thinking of compromising on the rebate without getting an agreement on reform of the CAP? If so, it might throw a spanner in the works of the love in between Murdoch's News International and New Labour. I heard Michael Portillo suggest that it might actually be an offer which is designed to fail (yes, I do sometimes watch This Week). Will we hear Blair say "I tried but the French refused to give ground"? Should be interesting.

Thanks to DK for help with the code for these wee boxes. I suspect he'll have one or two thing to say about this issue.