Sarkozy's mini-Treaty ploughs on

Blair at PMQ today ignored the suggestion that constitutionally Gordon Brown should attend the June Berlin summit where Britain's independence looks ever more likely to be sacrificed. In Brussels this evening the signs of the form of the sell-out became ever clearer as Nicolas Sarkozy confirmed his election meant an effective end to the French referendum constitutional veto as repeatedly pointed out on this blog. An early report from The Scotsman on the French President's visit is linked here. The following is an extract from that report:

Sarkozy's inaugural visit to EU headquarters was part of an accelerating drive led by German Chancellor Angela Merkel to seek a deal at the June 21-22 Brussels summit.

CONSENSUS?

Barroso told reporters a consensus was emerging among EU leaders in support of Sarkozy's idea of a simplified treaty.

Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende, whose country also voted against the constitution in 2005, told the European Parliament he was sure a compromise on a slimmed-down treaty was possible, provided national parliaments were given more say.

In another sign of improving prospects for an agreement, Poland's Eurosceptical foreign minister, Anna Fotyga, said she was "moderately optimistic" a deal could be reached next month.

Sarkozy said the treaty should contain core reforms in the defunct constitution, such as a long-term president of the EU, a foreign minister and a streamlined voting system. France would ratify it by parliament rather than risking another referendum.