Tony Blair is still trying to squeeze money back in rebates from the European Union based on out-of-date monetary figures that were applicable when Margaret Thatcher negotiated the deal many years ago.

Quite rightly, the French and German governments, who contribute far more cash to the E.U. budget say enough is enough. Frances president Chirac says the subsidy must be cut back by some 600 million pounds ($1 billion dollars) in the 1999 finacial year.

Of course Tony Blair will cut Scotlands portion of the "UK" budget, forcing the Scottish parliament to raise taxes. The Scots will end bank rolling London to an even greater degree than it does already.