I was delighted to share a platform in London this morning with Lord Brittan - formerly Sir Leon Brittan, Conservative Home Secretary. He made it absolutely clear that he supports the Reform Treaty and does not think much of the posturing of the current Conservative leadership in opposing it and demanding a referendum, especially as they would - if they were in power - sign up to essentially the same package. Other Tory grandees such as Douglas Hurd and Chris Patten also support the Reform Treaty.

In the afternoon, I and other Labour MEPs met Gordon Brown, who is upbeat and confident about securing a deal on a new treaty at the end of this week. Other meetings with ministers, and with TUC, improved my mood of optimism.

In the evening, I gave a lecture at the Italian Cultural Institute in London on the life of Altiero Spinelli, who was born 100 years ago. I thought there would be a dozen people attending, but was delighted when some 100 turned up - perhaps there is greater appreciation for Spinelli in the UK than the state of our public debate on Europe would suggest!