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Brown and Merkel set for meeting Brown and Merkel set for meeting
(about 1 hour later)
Prime Minister Gordon Brown is likely to discuss international development with German Chancellor Angela Merkel during her visit to Downing Street.Prime Minister Gordon Brown is likely to discuss international development with German Chancellor Angela Merkel during her visit to Downing Street.
After the talks, Mr Brown and Mrs Merkel are expected to go to Wembley to watch the international football match between England and Germany.After the talks, Mr Brown and Mrs Merkel are expected to go to Wembley to watch the international football match between England and Germany.
A spokeswoman for Mr Brown said the talks would focus on health issues, which were an "important priority".A spokeswoman for Mr Brown said the talks would focus on health issues, which were an "important priority".
The talks come amid calls for a referendum on the EU treaty.The talks come amid calls for a referendum on the EU treaty.
A Downing Street spokeswoman refused to confirm whether the talks would feature the treaty, but said "they will discuss the key issues facing them both".A Downing Street spokeswoman refused to confirm whether the talks would feature the treaty, but said "they will discuss the key issues facing them both".
Renewed pressureRenewed pressure
She added: "The discussions are likely to focus on international development.She added: "The discussions are likely to focus on international development.
"Within that, they are likely to focus on health, which is a very important priority for the prime minister.""Within that, they are likely to focus on health, which is a very important priority for the prime minister."
Mrs Merkel's visit to the UK is her first since Mr Brown became prime minister nearly two months ago.Mrs Merkel's visit to the UK is her first since Mr Brown became prime minister nearly two months ago.
The prime minister has faced renewed calls from the Tories for a referendum on the treaty.The prime minister has faced renewed calls from the Tories for a referendum on the treaty.
They say it is similar to the proposed EU constitution abandoned after it was voted down in France and Holland.They say it is similar to the proposed EU constitution abandoned after it was voted down in France and Holland.
An ICM poll earlier this week showed 82% of British voters want a referendum. An ICM poll earlier this week suggested 82% of British voters want a referendum.
Among Labour voters the poll showed the figure was 80% and for Tory voters it was 88%. Among Labour voters the poll suggested the figure was 80% and for Tory voters it was 88%.
Shadow Europe minister Mark Francois told the ePolitix.com website he would like Mr Brown to tell Mrs Merkel "public opinion is running so high" he feels he must hold a referendum.Shadow Europe minister Mark Francois told the ePolitix.com website he would like Mr Brown to tell Mrs Merkel "public opinion is running so high" he feels he must hold a referendum.