Blair’s red lines

Mark Mardell has a handy guide to the negotiations on the EU Constitution. He identifies four red lines for Blair and Brown.

• Calling it a constitution, or any mention of flags or anthems. That battle was won ages ago.• The idea that this is “a consolidating treaty” – Blair wants it to be “an amending treaty”. This sounds technical but is politically vital because the government will argue that no Conservative government ever gave a referendum on treaties amending existing texts. • Losing the veto on proposals about policing and justice. Britain could win an opt-out on this. It already has a similar opt-out on migration policy.• The Charter of Fundamental Rights. Britain is signed up to the charter already, but the government thinks putting it in the treaty makes it look more like a constitution. Mr Blair may have to fight hard to win this battle. • Moves to give the EU a legal personality. Again a tough battle