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News In Brief
Michael Heseltine, the former Deputy Prime Minister, has undergone a successful heart operation at a Harley Street clinic. "He is resting comfortably and hopes to go home in a few days," said the Tory Party Chairman, Dr Brian Mawhinney. Mr Heseltine dropped out of the Conservative leadership battle after being taken to hospital with chest pains over the weekend.
The Speaker of the House of Commons, Betty Boothroyd, has begun the three day process of swearing in members of the new Parliament. The first MP to be sworn in was Father of the House and former Tory Prime Minister, Edward Heath. He was followed by the new Prime Minister, Tony Blair, his predecessor John Major, and the Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott.
Bill Cash, the Tory Eurosceptic MP, may join the campaign to become the next leader of the Conservative Party. Friends say that he thinks the six challengers who have so far put themselves forward have not been clear enough on the issue of Europe, particularly the single currency. The MP commented only that "We must have clarity on the issue of Europe in the leadership."
Tony Blair is winning praise from businessmen and financiers. The Institute of Directors has applauded the transformation of Labour, and praised the Chancellor's decision to give the Bank of England operational control over interest rates. The IOD also applauded the appointment of Sir David Simon, Chairman of BP, as Minister of Trade and Competitiveness in Europe. The London Stock Market has been seen a steady rise in prices since the election.
Nearly half of those taking part in political survey for ITV and Channel 4 believe the Conservatives will be out of power for more than fifteen years. 1,191 people were interviewed for the Teletext survey - 48 per cent of whom thought the Tories would spend a decade and a half on the opposition benches. Nine per cent thought they would be in opposition for 10 years, while 31 per cent thought they would return to power after five years.
Wim Kok,the Dutch Prime Minister, arrives in Britain on Friday to discuss the Mid June meeting of the Inter-Governmental Committee, where the fifteen EU leaders will vote on a treaty on Further European integration.
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