The former prime minister said it Ed Miliband must not win any votes by taking a tougher line on immigration and Europe. He said changing course now would only 'confuse' voters Tony Blair this morning launched a furious assault on Ukip in the wake of the party's European election triumph - describing it as 'nasty and unpleasant'. The former Prime Minister urged the Labour leader Ed Miliband to 'stand up' and take on Nigel Farage. He said Mr Miliband had to 'stand firm' in the face of growing demands to promise an in-out referendum on Europe and ignore pleas from within his party to take a tougher stance on immigration.
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Former PM says Ukip 'pretty nasty and unpleasant' under its facade
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Calls on Miliband to 'stand up, to lead, to take them on' and not copy policies
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Mocks Tory attempts to stem Ukip rise by promising in-out referendum
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But critics say his immigration and EU policies caused problems
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Veteran Tory Ken Clarke says Ukip supporters are 'blaming foreigners'
He added: ‘@placeholder was in charge of this country when the floodgates were opened.