Queuing up for the Chancellor

Places at Chancellor Kenneth Clarke's address to the European Union, the inter-party pro-Europe group, at the Inter-Continental today are suddenly becoming hot tickets. Sponsored by Greig Middleton, who are keen to bolster their Continental contacts, theevent was not originally billed as a blockbuster.

That was until the sceptic tanks spent the New Year moving into position on John Major's lawn and the Prime Minister's nerve seemed to wobble.

Ministers have been out in force in the past week, shoring up his position, and it is expected that the Euro-enthusiastic Chancellor will tackle the subject with characteristic frankness.