Tony Blair yesterday charged Michael Howard with extremism, claiming the Tories' European policy could lead to "national humiliation".

The Conservatives hit back at the "fraudulent debate" insisting the ferocity of Blair's attack revealed that Howard had rattled Labour.

In a full page analysis of the June 10 elections, the FT suggests Labour's latest TV broadcast reveals how desperate all parties are ahead of the polls.

The newspaper suggests the European poll will be a key test for Howard - who will have to prove that he can make capital out of the Tories' renewed optimism.

As metropolitan councils come up for election, it says Labour should normally expect a good result - but warns that "well worn assumptions no longer always apply".

Meanwhile the Telegraph reports on Howard's "lenient" handling of a Tory MEP who falsely claimed travel allowance to a home which did not exist.