Britain weighs case for EU defence force

PLANS FOR a new European Union defence capability are be considered by Tony Blair in a significant shift of British policy.

The moves could result in an unprecedented level of European involvement in British force deployments - something vigorously resisted by the last Conservative government.

Draft documents circulating in London suggest that the Western European Union could be scrapped, with its political functions hived off to a new EU "fourth pillar". Military capabilities would revert to Nato.

Mr Blair believes there is a case for new measures to answer widespread criticism of Europe's ineffectiveness in defence. These concerns have been underlined in recent days by Europe's dependence on the US for leadership over moves to intervene in Kosovo.

Championing the EU defence reforms might also boost Britain's role as a leading player in Europe, compensating in some degree for the failure to join the single currency in its first wave.

A Whitehall source said: "People have been looking at ways in which we, in Europe, could take more of the burden which at present rests on the transatlantic alliance."

Britain would see any initiative as part of a broader push for more defence co-ordination.