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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Gavin Cordon

Blair desperate to avoid charges of ‘snuggling up’ to Berlusconi, files show

Silvio Berlusconi Tony Blair European Union Europe John Shepherd Peter Hain Euro
PA Archive

Tony Blair was desperate to avoid claims he was “snuggling up” to Silvio Berlusconi while seeking to develop him as an “essential” ally within the EU, according to newly released official files.

Papers released to the National Archives show No 10 officials were highly nervous as to how a planned summit meeting with the controversial Italian prime minister would be portrayed in the British media.

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