Major gets tough: he skips dinner
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.John Major boycotted the formal dinner at the Dublin European summit yesterday, the same day that he stressed in the Times how important it was for Britain to "stay at the table" in EU discussions to influence decisions, writes Stephen Castle. In a calculated diplomatic snub, he left Dublin early for London to prepare for a television interview this morning, forgoing the dinner of salmon and Irish beef washed down with fine Spanish and French wines. A British official claimed it would have been impossible for Mr Major's plane to get away in time for a reasonable arrival time in Britain. But Irish officials pointed out that the dinner was due to end at 9.30pm, and one added: "If Major had wanted to get to the dinner, but leave early, we would have helped him." A swift game of musical chairs avoided any charge that Britain might be employing "empty chair" tactics. Malcolm Rifkind, Foreign Secretary, was due to take Mr Major's place among the heads of government last night, with his place at the separate dinner for foreign ministers being taken by the British ambassador to Brussels, Stephen Wall.
PM's hard line, page 2
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments