Lost for words

Date: 18/06/1998

BLAIR's press spokesman Alastair Campbell revealed the source of his advice on EU matters when faced with a tricky summit question.

Stumped by a Spanish journalist's enquiry on the Court of Auditors, British budget rebates, etc, Campbell was momentarily lost for words. But help was at hand.

Casting his eyes desperately around the press room, he spotted his salvation in the shape of Martin Walker, Brussels correspondent for the UK's Guardian newspaper.

“Martin,” he cried without the faintest hint of shame, “What's the issue?”

It is reassuring to see the UK's political élite has taken the task of presiding over EU affairs so seriously during the past six months.