Article: UK is now top dog in Brussels

Britain has become one of the most influential forces in the administration of the European Union, according to a report to be published today by a group of leading businessmen. The group claims the UK has taken a leading role in shaping the EU, and the results can be seen in the increased use of English as a language, the rise in the number of British civil servants in Brussels and the prevalence of liberal economic ideals.

The findings are published today in a report from Business for New Europe (BNE), a campaign group whose backers include WPP chief executive Sir Martin Sorrell, Carphone Warehouse chief executive Charles Dunstone and Reuters chairman Sir Niall Fitzgerald. The vice-chairman of BNE, Sir Stephen Wall, previously Britain's top civil servant in Brussels and Tony Blair's foreign policy adviser, said the stereotype of Brussels being dominated by France and Germany, leaving the UK on the margins, was incorrect.

"Even though some of its detractors do not wish to recognise it, Brussels is changing," he said.

There has been a distinct change in culture in the EU's economics in recent years, the report claims, with the area coming out in favour of the kind of policies espoused by the UK rather than France. It cites the services directive, which is expected to open up labour markets in the region, and the European Commission's strong refutation of protectionist policies. However, the report warns that Britain remains under-represented in the lower levels of the Brussels hierarchy.

Former European Commissioner Christopher Tugendhat said yesterday: "This is a timely reminder of how much the European Commission has changed in recent years."