Mr Blair outlined his thinking when he said that Europe must not lose sight of the importance of expanding the EU to the east. It is that process of enlargement, taking in the countries who want to join the EU, that is so important in the future. But he said that Britain and France were agreed on the broad principles for Nice. With our British friends we share the same ambitions and the same goals and the same vision and that is what we are going to debate this evening in a friendly and peaceful manner. The two leaders later agreed to try to work together with the Americans to get the climate change talks back on track after the ignominious collapse of the negotiations last Saturday.
Contacts are likely to be made with Washington over the weekend.
The greatest competition over dinner in the village of Aycliffe came not over Europe but over the French language. The prime minister, who prides himself on the French that he learnt as a Paris barman in his student days, insisted on addressing his guest in French. Mr Chirac, a graduate of the elite ENA college in Paris who has impeccable English, was equally determined to demonstrate his command of the prime minister's tongue. The president, who appreciates fine cuisine, just smiled when asked about the meal. Downing Street had, however, gone to great lengths to impress its guest.