Britain and Europe in 10 speeches

On the occasion of the official opening of the new Europe We would like Europe House to become an arena for a vibrant, House in London, this booklet offers a valuable overview informed discussion about Britain’s place in Europe and the of the history of the debate about the United Kingdom’s future evolution of the European Union. Our hope is that, relationship with the European Union, as seen through the in the spirit of the powerful contributions reproduced in this eyes of a number of leading British politicians. The speeches booklet, the new joint offices of the European Commission and lectures which follow will remind readers of the wide and European Parliament in London can help deepen the range of strongly-held views on Europe, often cutting across quality of the debate on one of the most important and lively traditional party lines, that have been expressed throughout issues in British politics. the period since the end of the Second World War. December 2010 Our own view is that Britain needs Europe - and Europe needs Britain. The European Parliament and European Commission will work to stress the mutual benefits that the country’s membership of the Union brings - whether in terms of free trade, access to the world’s biggest single market Jerzy Buzek José Manuel Barroso or a stronger voice on global issues, such as development or President of the President of the climate change. European Parliament European Commission 2 | Britain and Europe in 10 speeches 3

Winston Churchill On 19 September 1946, Winston Churchill, British Conservative leader, gave an address at the University of Zurich in which he identified Franco-German reconciliation and the establishment of a European organisation as conditions for peace and liberty throughout the continent.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, “We must build a kind of United States of Europe. of Europe rise to the height of these I am honoured today by being received resolves of the soul and of the instincts in your ancient university and by the In this way only will hundreds of millions of toilers be of the spirit of man? If they can, the address which has been given to me on able to regain the simple joys and hopes which make wrongs and injuries which have been your behalf and which I greatly value. inflicted will have been washed away life worth living.” on all sides by the miseries which have I wish to speak to you today about the been endured. Is there any need for tragedy of Europe, this noble continent, in many lands, would as if by a miracle I believe that the larger synthesis will further floods of agony? Is the only comprised of the fairest and the most transform the whole scene and would only survive if it is founded upon lesson of history to be that mankind cultivated regions of the earth, enjoying in a few years make all Europe, or the coherent natural groupings. There is unteachable? Let there be justice, a temperate and equable climate, is the greater part of it, as free and as happy is already a natural grouping in the mercy and freedom. The peoples have home of all the great parent races of as Switzerland is today. What is this Western Hemisphere. We British only to will it and all will achieve their the Western world, it is the fountain of sovereign remedy? It is to recreate the have our own Commonwealth of heart’s desire. Christian faith and Christian ethics, it European fabric, or as much of it as we Nations. These do not weaken, on the is the origin of most of the culture, the can, and to provide it with a structure contrary they strengthen, the world I am now going to say something that arts, philosophy and science both of under which it can dwell in peace, in organisation. They are in fact its main will astonish you. The first step in the ancient and modern times. If Europe safety and in freedom. We must build a support. And why should there not be re-creation of the European family were once united in the sharing of its kind of United States of Europe. In this a European group which could give must be a partnership between France common inheritance there would be no way only will hundreds of millions of a sense of enlarged patriotism and and Germany. In this way only can limit to the happiness, to the prosperity toilers be able to regain the simple joys common citizenship to the distracted France recover the moral and cultural and the glory which its three or four and hopes which make life worth living. peoples of this turbulent and mighty leadership of Europe. There can be no hundred million people would enjoy. The process is simple. All that is needed continent? And why should it not revival of Europe without a spiritually Yet it is from Europe that has sprung is the resolve of hundreds of millions take its rightful place with other great great France and a spiritually great that series of frightful nationalistic of men and women to do right instead groupings and help to shape the onward Germany. The structure of the United quarrels, originated by the Teutonic of wrong and to gain as their reward destinies of man? In order that this States of Europe, if well and truly nations in their rise to power, which we blessing instead of cursing. should be accomplished there must built, will be such as to make the have seen in this 20th century and even be an act of faith in which millions of material strength of a single state less in our own lifetime wreck the peace and Much work, ladies and gentlemen, families speaking many languages must important. Small nations will count mar the prospects of all mankind. has been done upon this task by consciously take part. as much as large ones and gain their the exertions of the Pan-European honour by their contribution to the And what is the plight to which Union, which owes so much to Count We all know that the two World Wars common cause. The ancient states Europe has been reduced? Some of Coudenhove-Kalergi and which through which we have passed arose and principalities of Germany, freely the smaller states have indeed made commanded the services of the famous out of the vain passion of a newly united joined together for mutual convenience a good recovery, but over wide areas French patriot and statesman Aristide Germany to play the dominating part in a federal system, might take their a vast, quivering mass of tormented, Briand. There is also that immense body in the world. In this last struggle crimes individual places among the United hungry, careworn and bewildered of doctrine and procedure which was and massacres have been committed States of Europe. human beings, gape at the ruins of their brought into being amid high hopes after for which there is no parallel since the cities and their homes and scan the the First World War – I mean the League invasion of the Mongols in the 14th I shall not try to make a detailed dark horizons for the approach of some of Nations. The League of Nations century, and no equal at any time in programme for hundreds of millions new peril, tyranny or terror. Among did not fail because of its principles or human history. The guilty must be of people who want to be happy and “Indeed, but for the fact that the great republic across the Atlantic Ocean has at length realised that the ruin or the victors there is a Babel of voices, conceptions. It failed because these punished. Germany must be deprived free, prosperous and safe, who wish to among the vanquished the sullen silence principles were deserted by those states of the power to rearm and make another enjoy the four freedoms of which the enslavement of Europe would involve their own fate as well, and has stretched out hands of succour and guidance, of despair. That is all that Europeans, who had brought it into being, it failed aggressive war. But when all this has great President Roosevelt spoke and but for that, the Dark Ages would have returned in all their cruelty and squalor. Gentlemen, they may still return.” grouped in so many ancient states and because the governments of those days been done, as it will be done, as it is live in accordance with the principles nations, that is all that the Germanic feared to face the facts and act while being done, then there must be an end embodied in the Atlantic Charter. If the shield, and I will even say protection, of the United Nations Organisation. submit to tyranny. In all this urgent races have got by tearing each other time remained. This disaster must not to retribution. There must be what this is their wish, if this is the wish of of the atomic bomb. The atomic bomb Under and within that world concept work France and Germany must take to pieces and spreading havoc far and be repeated. There is, therefore, much Mr Gladstone many years ago called a Europeans in so many lands, they have is still only in the hands of a state and we must re-create the European family the lead together. Great Britain, the wide. Indeed, but for the fact that the knowledge and material with which “blessed act of oblivion”. We must all only to say so and means can certainly nation which, we know, will never use it in a regional structure called, it may British Commonwealth of Nations, great republic across the Atlantic Ocean to build and also bitter, dear bought turn our backs upon the horrors of the be found and machinery erected to carry except in the cause of right and freedom, be, the United States of Europe, and mighty America – and, I trust, Soviet has at length realised that the ruin or experience to spur the builder. past and we must look to the future. that wish to full fruition. but it may well be that in a few years the first practical step will be to form a Russia, for then indeed all would be well enslavement of Europe would involve We cannot afford to drag forward this awful agency of destruction will Council of Europe. If at first all the states – must be the friends and sponsors of the their own fate as well, and has stretched I was very glad to read in the newspapers across the years that are to come the But I must give you warning, time may be widespread and that the catastrophe of Europe are not willing or able to join new Europe and must champion its right out hands of succour and guidance, two days ago that my friend President hatreds and revenges which have be short. At present there is a breathing following from its use by several warring the union we must nevertheless proceed to live and shine. Therefore I say to you but for that, the Dark Ages would have Truman had expressed his interest and sprung from the injuries of the past. space. The cannons have ceased firing. nations will not only bring to an end all to assemble and combine those who will “Let Europe arise!”. returned in all their cruelty and squalor. sympathy with this great design. If Europe is to be saved from infinite The fighting has stopped. But the that we call civilisation but may possibly and those who can. The salvation of the Gentlemen, they may still return. misery, and indeed from final doom, dangers have not stopped. If we are disintegrate the globe itself. common people of every race and of There is no reason why a regional there must be this act of faith in the to form a United States of Europe, every land from war and servitude must Yet all the while there is a remedy which, organisation of Europe should in any European family, and this act of or whatever name it may take, we must I must now sum up the propositions be established on solid foundations, and if it were generally and spontaneously way conflict with the world organisation oblivion against all the crimes and begin now. In these present days we which are before you. Our constant aim must be guarded by the readiness of adopted by the great majority of people of the United Nations. On the contrary, follies of the past. Can the free peoples dwell strangely and precariously under must be to build and fortify the strength all men and women to die rather than

© Transcription Centre Virtuel de la Connaissance sur l’Europe (CVCE) 4 | Britain and Europe in 10 speeches 5

ally number two and we are a long way of the liberal trading attitudes which ill-will against ourselves and irritating rule that out? Do they still hope for a behind. The recent fracas at Washington are supposed to be held by our own its members. These may seem small Free Trade Area? I think we must get is a pointer towards this unhappy type Government. It is sometimes said matters, but they reflect a fundamental that out of the way. Do they think that of development. that even if that is true, the Six would attitude – the wish to avoid direct the creation of the Seven is a lever to not welcome us, and I think there is negotiations with the European help get a Free Trade Area? If they do, It was argued that the European something in that. The Six have worked Economic Community as such and they are making a fundamental mistake. Free Trade Association would be the out their treaty and they might not be so to keep negotiations in the framework It would be interesting to know if that beginning of a bridge towards the Six. keen to have us as we might be to get in. of other existing institutions whose is one of their objectives. If it is, how That has not turned out as expected. character could be imposed on the long do they think that the Swiss, the This Association, I am afraid, has tied Mr. James Scott-Hopkins European edifice. Austrians and the Danes will remain in our hands and, in some respects, has (Cornwall, North) the European Free Trade Association if deepened the split. I do not think we I am not clear about what the hon. Secondly, we should accept that we do not find a solution to the problems shall get any agreement in Europe unless Gentleman is advocating. Does he there will be tariffs round Common between it and the Common Market? we are prepared to accept the same wish us to join the Common Market Market countries. I refer again to the integration as the Six. We have the task unilaterally now, immediately? intervention by the hon. Member for Do they feel that the Six are too of bringing our partners in the European Bebington. This is what the Common protectionist for us? Do they maintain Free Trade Association along with us. Mr. Grimond Market is about. It is no good trying that, even though their common tariff I shall come to that. We are told that this to deny it. We should give up trying to is already lower than our tariff in many Sir Hendrie Oakshott (Bebington) is not the moment to do what the hon. revive the Free Trade Area. Instead, we ways and they are proposing further to I am following with interest the argument Member suggests and that we should should open negotiations on particular lower it by 20 per cent.? Do they want to advanced by the hon. Gentleman. If it not attempt to join the Common Market commodities such as motor cars, stop the acceleration? If they do, this is be a question of joining the Common because the Six and the Americans are machinery and so on. We should form presumably to gain time. I do not say that Market, surely he must realise that the already negotiating, but we have to make a negotiating group from the Seven on I am against slowing up the acceleration, condition precedent for joining it is a few basic decisions now. particular goods. There is great anxiety but I want to know what they intend to a willingness to apply a tariff against in industry and many firms in this do with the time gained. What policies all outside. One of the decisions we have to make now country about how they are going to do they propose to suggest? It is not good is to bring our policy into line with the be placed. Some are joining with firms enough simply to say, “We will see what Mr. Grimond new realities on terms which it is possible on the Continent. Some are building the negotiating committee produces That I understand. It is fundamental to get. We should let it be known that at factories there. I believe the Seven and and we will support anything which we to the Common Market to start from the right moment we are now ready to join Six could get down to negotiations believe is good.” We have said this for there. At present the Government find the Common Market – that is the answer on particular commodities more years, and I do not think that even the themselves in a cul-de-sac. They do not to the hon. Member – when mutually usefully than in trying to fight each Government pretend that the results know which way to go. Sometimes they agreeable terms have been negotiated, other with the Free Trade Area and are very happy. say they are willing to join any functional but the Government have not made this the Common Market. approach to European problems, but decision. In the meantime, we should Do the Government accept the kind of whenever they are asked to join anything cease to hold up their progress and we It must be remembered that the danger proposals which I have outlined – that in particular they refuse to do so. The should discuss with our Commonwealth is not that the Common Market will we should join some of the functional Prime Minister’s reputed statement in at the forthcoming meeting of Prime have higher tariffs. On the contrary, the organisations, try to raise the diplomatic Washington has had a disastrous effect Ministers how the Commonwealth can general tariff in many cases will be lower level and to improve relations and enter in Europe. It may have been exaggerated be associated with the Common Market than tariffs in most particular countries into negotiations over the tariffs on or wrongly reported. But whether rightly in such a way that countries of the within the Community and lower also specific goods? or wrongly reported it has confirmed Commonwealth can share in its trade. than our own. The danger is that there Europeans in their views and suspicions will be a large Free Trade Area in which “The sad feature is that that fundamentally we are out to sabotage In addition to that decision – that in our goods will find it very difficult to their aims while paying lip service in a principle we are ready to go into the compete and from this base there will fifteen years ago Britain vague, wishy-washy way to the ideal of Common Market – we should make be a large export surplus competing was at the peak of her Joe Grimond European unity. some other moves even though they with us in other markets. power and influence, and might not take us so far. I appreciate the “I regard the handling of doubts of hon. Members like the hon. The danger which is becoming acutely the leadership of Europe On 14 April 1960, Joe Grimond, leader of the Liberal party, made clear to the Member for Birmingham, Stechford felt by various companies in the metal the European situation (Mr. Roy Jenkins) on whether this is the trade, engineering, cars and so on is was hers for the asking. Commons his party’s long-standing desire to join the movement for European as the worst mistake of right moment to press our application something which public opinion in this We have thrown it away British diplomacy since for membership right home, but there country has greatly underestimated. on grounds which have unity “with enthusiasm” and called upon the Conservative government to show are other moves we could make. First, Are our proposals, which are being the war.” I suggest that instead of trying to put forward by the Seven, genuine, largely proved wrong.” its readiness to apply to join the European Community. The first application to pretend that the Common Market will negotiating proposals designed to reduce It is no use the Prime Minister going on eventually come to an agreement on the tariffs of the Six, or are they a sort The sad feature is that fifteen years ago become a member was made in the summer of the following year. smugly reiterating that we will support our terms, we must make an effort to of weapon with which to try to beat the Britain was at the peak of her power any suggestions for a way out of the establish better relations with it. Six? Whenever we have tried to use the and influence, and the leadership of divisions in Europe. If any disunity is European Free Trade Association or its Europe was hers for the asking. We being created, we are creating it. If we To say that this is a job which should not proposal as weapons, they have broken have thrown it away on grounds which Ever since the Coal and Steel sometimes even to pretend that the expanding market in the world. are not closely associated with this area wish to cure it, it is for us to make some be entirely left to the Board of Trade is not in our hands, and it would be futile to go have largely proved wrong. We now see Community was first suggested, European movement did not exist. It is There are 170 million people in the of rapid growth, in the long run the whole proposals instead of raising objections to be critical personally of the President forward with them if they were intended America putting the good Europeans the Liberal Party has urged successive becoming more and more obvious that countries of the Six. Further, the Six Commonwealth can only be the loser. whenever the bulk of the Europeans of the Board of Trade, but it is true that for that purpose. before ourselves, and I fear that the Governments, both Labour and Tory, they gravely miscalculated events. have devised a joint approach to supply want to move rather quicker than we do. in Europe he and his predecessor are Commonwealth will be bound to come to wake up to what was happening in capital for colonial territories. Britain, Nor does the excuse that to join the I regard the handling of the European inextricably linked with the worst period The third suggestion which I want to to terms with Europe unless we take Europe. It is now more and more widely The Common Market is a reality. by herself, cannot supply capital for all Common Market would be harmful to situation as the worst mistake of British of British obtuseness. I suggest that it make is that we should join Euratom steps to right the position. I believe that agreed that we were right. Many of the fears about it have proved her dependencies. Western Germany British agriculture look very convincing diplomacy since the war. would be very good for the Foreign Office and the Coal and Steel Community. we may see Germany take our position illusory. Its members are not being is making £70 million available to the now. It was summarily dismissed in the to have to take an initiative. This is now a I remind the House that only this January as the leading power in Europe. “We urged them to go rushed into a fully-fledged federation. colonial territories of the Six, most of leading article of yesterday’s Guardian. If we joined the Community we problem of first-class importance to the the Foreign Secretary said not only that Its field of action is economic, but of which will, in fact, go to those of France. It is apparent that the countries of the Six could exercise a great influence. foreign relations of this country and, in so he accepted the Six but that it was a pity If we do not join even at this late stage in in and take the place course to harmonise economic policies intend to look after their own agriculture People sometimes forget that in the far as it would raise the level, so to speak, that we had not joined the Coal and the movement for European unity – and which this country one must accept some political decisions. Surely it is desirable that Britain and her and our agriculture would gain as a consultations which precede decisions we should make it an affair of prime Steel Community. join with enthusiasm – if we try jealously I think that while there remains a very Commonwealth should share in this reduction by being associated with them in the Community a great Power is importance in our foreign policy. to guard our independence, which in could claim, as a leading wide field in which national tradition European development. If we do not we – and gain with some reduction in cost hardly ever in a minority. Instead of I want to ask the Government one or many ways is disappearing in any case, European Power.” and Government must hold sway, may well find that the Commonwealth to the taxpayer. Clearly, the Common our national policies being frustrated, I shall give an example of our obtuse- two questions about their attitude, we shall find that the centrifugal forces national sovereignty is visibly breaking will look more to Washington and even to Market will expand its agriculture and we should find that with some adaptation, ness. One way in which we have annoyed having, I hope, made my attitude clear. which are blowing on this country will We suggested that the Government down in certain spheres and in economics Bonn. Many people have said that if we it is looking for possible markets for it. they would cover the policies of the the Six was our delay in appointing an I have given the Economic Secretary grow stronger and stronger, and in fifteen had miscalculated the forces behind and defence this breakdown should join the Common Market we should deal whole of Western Europe and be more ambassador to the European Economic previous warning of these questions, years’ time it may well be that we shall the Treaty of Rome. We urged them be encouraged. a body blow at Commonwealth trade. But We used to be told that our special effective than they are now. Community. For nine months after the and no doubt he will have precise and have no special relationship with Europe to go in and take the place which this the Six would almost certainly agree to relationship with the United States of Community had been in existence we definite answers to give. First, do the or with America – or even, possibly, country could claim, as a leading Nor is it true that our Commonwealth arrangements which would safeguard our America would go against us. That has The President of the Board of Trade failed to be thus represented, unlike Government still rule out the possibility with our own Commonwealth. European Power. But Governments obligations justify us cutting ourselves Commonwealth trade, just as France is proved to be entirely wrong. The United once said that Britain would have to the Americans who appointed their of accepting in principle the Common proved unworthy of the opportunities off from Europe. The Commonwealth allowed to continue free entry for imports States has made it all too clear that she accept majority voting which might ambassador immediately. Again, we Market and then going in and seeing The full text from Hansard has been offered to them. They chose to magnify wants two things – trade and capital. from Morocco and other countries is anxious to deal with a more unified overrule them. Looking at Western have always tried to keep the European what bargains we can get and what slightly shortened. the difficulties of association with It is important for the Commonwealth associated with her. Indeed, the reverse of Europe. If we are not careful we shall find Europe today, it seems plain that there Commission out of negotiations in arrangements we can make for the the Messina Powers. They seemed not to be cut off from the most rapidly this is true. If we in the Commonwealth in a few years that the Six are America’s is a strong majority opinion in favour O.E.E.C. thus needlessly building up Commonwealth? Do they completely 6 | Britain and Europe in 10 speeches 7

Harold Macmillan In late 1962 Prime Minister Harold Macmillan set out the arguments in favour of Britain joining the European Community in a pamphlet called “Britain, the Commonwealth and Europe”.

By negotiating for British membership some of the most advanced countries in of the European Economic Community the world, a new organisation is rapidly and its Common Market, the present developing with the ability to stand on Conservative Government has taken an equal footing with the great power what is perhaps the most fateful and groupings of the world. forward looking policy decision in our peacetime history. We did not do so By joining this vigorous and expanding lightly. It was only after a searching study community and becoming one of its of all the facts that we came to accept this leading members, as I am convinced Hugh Gaitskill as the right and proper course. we would, this country would not only gain a new stature in Europe, but also We knew that such an unprecedented increase its standing and influence in On 3 October 1962, Hugh Gaitskell, departure from the past was bound to the councils of the world. We would cause genuine anxieties and fears, both bring to the inward preoccupations of Labour leader, made what was to be his at home and in the Commonwealth. a continental land mass the outward Indeed, it was because we understood looking vision of a great trading nation last address to a Labour Party conference. these feelings so well that we insisted whose political and economic horizons from the first that arrangements must span the globe. The speech in Brighton moved the party be made to safeguard the interests of our Commonwealth partners, our home For Britain to stay out and isolate herself to a position of hostility towards the agriculture and our fellow-members of from the mainstream of European the European Free Trade Association. strength would, I believe, have very European Community. damaging results both for ourselves and We in Britain are Europeans. That has for the whole of the Commonwealth. always been true, but it has now become There might be no immediate disaster, a reality which we cannot ignore. In but we could not hope to go on exerting I UNDERSTAND and deeply Market carries with it some very serious “We must be clear about this; it does mean, if this the past, as a great maritime Empire, the same political influence. It is true, of course, that political unity today, not even the giants of America or sympathise with the people of France political obligations. But when you ask, is the idea, the end of Britain as an independent we might give way to insular feelings is the central aim of these European Russia, can pursue purely independent and of Germany in their desire to get it is not easy to get a clear answer. of superiority over foreign breeds and Take, for example, our present very countries and we would naturally accept policies in defence, foreign affairs, or rid of the conflicts which have so often European state. I make no apology for repeating suspicion of our neighbours across the close and fruitful relations with the that ultimate goal. But the effects on our the economic sphere. Britain herself has broken out between them and which I can see only three possibilities it. It means the end of a thousand years of history. Channel. For long periods, we were United States. If we remain outside the position of joining Europe have been freely made surrenders of sovereignty in are all too fresh in our minds. However, outside the obligations that we accept able to maintain a balance of power in European Community, it seems to me much exaggerated by the critics. NATO and in many other international I sometimes wonder whether the great specifically in the Treaty of Rome. It You may say: “Let it end.” But, my goodness, it is a Europe which served us well. Indeed, if inevitable that the realities of power fields on bigger issues than those problems of the world today are to be may mean that there is no obligation decision that needs a little care and thought.” we had not turned away from Europe in would compel our American friends to Accession to the Treaty of Rome involved in the pooling of sovereignty found in the unity or disunity of Western upon the government of Britain to do the Imperial heyday of the late 19th and attach increasing weight to the views would not involve a one-sided surrender required under the Treaty of Rome. Europe. I would have said that there more than talk, consult more frequently early 20th centuries, it is even possible and interests of the Six in Europe, with of “sovereignty” on our part, but a were two problems outstanding above with the President of France and the are most unlikely to use, of dismissing We must be clear about this; it does that the slaughter of two world wars others who may join them, and to pay pooling of sovereignty by all concerned, The form which the political unity all others: the problem of peace and the Chancellor of Germany. I see no harm the Commission by a two-thirds mean, if this is the idea, the end of might have been avoided. Are we now less attention to our own. We would find mainly in economic and social fields. of the Community should take is now problem of poverty. in these talks, but I am not optimistic. majority. When it is pointed out that Britain as an independent European to isolate ourselves from Europe, at a the United States and the Community In renouncing some of our own under active discussion in Europe, the Commission is a body which has state. I make no apology for repeating time when our own strength is no longer concerting policy together on major sovereignty we would receive in return where opinions on it are strongly I know some will say with great But what else? If it is not just talking, powers but is not responsible or under it. It means the end of a thousand years self-sufficient and when the leading issues, with much less incentive than a share of the sovereignty renounced by divided. There is a school which sincerity: “But we recognise that, and what is it? The second possibility is anybody’s control, what is the answer? of history. You may say: “Let it end.” European countries are joining together now to secure our agreement or even other members. Our obligations would ardently believes in the unitary concept of we believe that, by Britain going into majority decisions on political issues, The answer they give us: “That is why But, my goodness, it is a decision that to build a future of peace and progress, consult our opinion. To lose influence not alter the position of the Crown, a European federation, a new European Europe, a great contribution can be just as we are to have majority decisions we should set up a federal assembly with needs a little care and thought. instead of wasting themselves in war? both in Europe and Washington, nor rob our Parliament of its essential State. Here in Britain the Liberal Party made to these problems.” Maybe so, but on economic issues. Do we want that? powers over them.” This is what they as this must mean, would seriously powers, nor deprive our Law Courts Assembly voiced some strong support it is for them to submit the proof. So far Well, I suppose you might say we would are arguing. And it does mean the end of the We have to consider the state of the undermine our international position of their authority in our domestic life. for this solution. it is hard to be convinced. For, although be able somehow or other to outvote those Commonwealth. How can one really world as it is today and will be tomorrow, and hence, one must add, our usefulness Europe has had a great and glorious we disagree with. I would like to be very What does federation mean? It means seriously suppose that, if the centre and not in outdated terms of a vanished to the Commonwealth. The talk about loss of sovereignty I myself believe that the bulk of public civilisation, although Europe can claim sure of that before I committed myself. that powers are taken from national of the Commonwealth is a province of past. There remain only two national becomes all the more meaningless when opinion in this country, and certainly Goethe and Leonardo, Voltaire and governments and to federal parliaments. Europe, it could continue to exist as the units which can claim to be world It is sometimes alleged that we would one remembers that practically every any Conservative Government, Picasso, there have been evil features Then, of course, there is the idea and It means - I repeat it - that, if we go into mother country of a series of independent powers in their own right, namely the lose all our national identity by joining nation, including our own, has already is firmly against the extinction of in European history too - Hitler and the ideal of federal Europe. Now, I know this, we are no more than a state (as it nations? It is sheer nonsense. United States and Soviet Russia. To the European Community and become been forced by the pressures of the separate national identities and would Mussolini and, today, the attitude of that it will be said by some: “Why bring were) in the United States of Europe, these may soon be added what Napoleon what Mr Gaitskell contemptuously modern world to abandon large areas choose a Europe which preserved some to the Congo problem. up federation? It is not immediate, such as Texas and California. They are once called the “sleeping giant” of described the other day as a mere of sovereignty and to realise that we are and harmonised all that is best in it is not imposed upon us, it may not remarkably friendly examples; you do China, whose combination of a rapidly “province” of Europe. now all inter-dependent. No country our different national traditions. 4 But here is another question we have happen.” But we would be foolish not find every state as rich or having multiplying population and great natural to ask: what exactly is involved in the to deny, not to recognise and indeed such good weather as those two! But I resources must increasingly be reckoned “It is sometimes alleged that we would lose all our national identity by joining the concept of political union? We hear sympathise with the desire of those who could take others; it would be the same as a potent force in world affairs. a lot about it; we are told that the created the Economic Community for as in Australia, where you have Western European Community and become what Mr Gaitskell contemptuously described Economic Community is not just a political federation. That is what they Australia, for example, and New South A divided Europe would stand no the other day as a mere “province” of Europe. It is true, of course, that political unity customs union, that all who framed mean, that is what they are after when Wales. We should be like them. This is chance of competing with these great it saw it as a stepping stone towards they admit freely that, under the present what it means; it does mean the end of concentrations of power. But in this is the central aim of these European countries and we would naturally accept that political integration. We ought to be constitution of the EEC, the assembly Britain as an independent nation state. new European Community, bringing ultimate goal. But the effects on our position of joining Europe have been much told what is meant by that, for, if this has no powers except the very far- It may be a good thing or a bad thing, together the manpower, the material be true, our entry into the Common reaching, overriding one, which they but we must recognise that this is so... resources and the inventive skills of exaggerated by the critics.”

© the Conservative Political Centre in 1962 8 | Britain and Europe in 10 speeches 9

We would, I think, favour a more “I have sometimes felt that among those who have been in this debate seeking to gradual approach worked out by experience, instead of a leap in the balance up the advantages and disadvantages there was a desire for a degree of dark, and this is a view shared by certainty which is never obtainable in human affairs.” many leaders of opinion in Europe. world. But we thought that decision right: Community at one and the same time. this country have to seize. We should One thing is certain. As a member of the it is one that British Governments have After all, the leaders of all three parties be leaving so many aspects of matters Community, Britain would have a strong worked for since 1961. [.....] in this House accept the principle of affecting our daily lives to be settled voice in deciding the nature and the entry into the European Community, outside our own influence. That surely timing of political unity. By remaining I have sometimes felt that among those as the right hon. Gentleman reaffirmed cannot be acceptable to us. We should outside, we could be faced with a political who have been in this debate seeking this afternoon. The Community is be denying to Europe, also - let us look solution in Europe which ran counter but to balance up the advantages and not governed by any particular party outside these shores for a moment - its full which we could do nothing to influence. disadvantages there was a desire for ideology. How can it be, with a Socialist potential, its opportunities of developing a degree of certainty which is never Government in the Federal Republic, economically and politically, maintaining It is sometimes argued that our economic obtainable in human affairs. Hon. with a Right-wing Government its security, and securing for all its people gains and losses in joining a European Members will not ask for it in their lives, in France, with a coalition in Italy a higher standard of prosperity. Community would roughly cancel out, in their own businesses. As a nation containing Socialists? Of course not. leaving us on balance in much the same we have never hitherto asked for it in a What is more, all the opposition parties in All the consequences of that for many position. The Government does not trading agreement or in international the member countries of the Community millions of people in Europe must be take this view. Some radical changes affairs, either economic or political. support membership of the Community recognised tonight in the decision the in the pattern of British industry and Anyone who studies the length of our just as much as the governing parties. House is taking. In addition, many commerce are inevitable if this country trading agreements outside will accept projects for the future of Europe have is to hold its own, whether we join the that that is the case. It is right that there should have been so been long delayed. There has been Community or not. But we believe that much discussion of sovereignty. I would great uncertainty, and tonight all that the economic opportunities which the It may be that it is showing a lack of put it very simply. If sovereignty exists can be removed. Common Market offers to Britain greatly confidence in ourselves, but I suggest to be used and to be of value, it must be outweigh the risks involved. that, whatever the explanation, we are effective. We have to make a judgment The right hon. Gentleman the worrying about the wrong question. whether this is the most advantageous Member for Cardiff, South-East was It is clear from these figures that Surely the right question to ask ourselves way of using our country’s sovereignty. very kind in the personal remarks British companies have been quick is this: has the Community the necessary Sovereignty belongs to all of us, and he made about myself. Throughout to grasp the potential opportunities and appropriate means for dealing to make that judgment we must look my political career, if I may add one in Europe and have already begun to with the problems of its members, at the way in which the Community personal remark, it is well known that exploit them with considerable success. whether they arise out of these present has actually worked during these last I have had the vision of a Britain in a How much brighter, surely, must our negotiations in which we have taken part 12 years. In joining we are making united Europe; a Britain which would prospects appear as full members of or whether they arise from any other a commitment which involves our be united economically to Europe the Community meeting European cause in the life of the Community? sovereignty, but we are also gaining and which would be able to influence competition on level terms. That surely is the question one has to an opportunity. We are making a decisions affecting our own future, and put about a living, changing, developing commitment to the Community as it which would enjoy a better standard of It is common knowledge that our organisation such as the Community. exists tonight, if the House so decides. life and a fuller life. I have worked for prosperity as a nation, and indeed our That is what matters. We are gaining an opportunity to a Europe which will play an increasing very existence, depends on exporting influence its decisions in the future. part in meeting the needs of those our goods abroad. The answer to that question is undeniably parts of the world which still lie in the – yes, it has got those means and, what is The right hon. Gentleman asked me shadow of want. I always understood The countries of the European more they have been and are being used questions as to how we saw this. The that the right hon. Gentleman wanted Community, with their rapidly successfully. They are proven means Community in future months will be that. I want Britain as a member of a expanding economies, would provide for dealing with the problems inside discussing future policy in an enlarged Europe which is united politically, and us with that market. This is one of the the Community – through the Treaty, community. No one is committed to this which will enjoy lasting peace and the strongest arguments for going in and through the Commission, through the at the moment - no member country, nor greater security which would ensue. competing on level terms. Council of Ministers these matters are we as a country, nor this House. What being handled the whole time. we shall have is an opportunity, which Nor do I believe that the vision of Europe We regard it as a first priority to secure we do not possess and will not possess - and the right hon. Gentleman raised a fundamental reshaping of the present Perhaps, therefore, the final statement unless we join, of working out schemes this specific point - is an unworthy vision, framework of world trade. As a member of the Leader of the Opposition for the future of the major part of Europe. or an ignoble vision or an unworthy cause of the European Community, the this afternoon was not quite so I put this point in a practical form to the for which to have worked. I have always possibilities of moving at last towards Edward Heath bloodcurdling as he meant it to be. House. It is well known that the President made it absolutely plain to the British world-wide agreements on trade should I must say to him that the position in of France, supported by the Chancellor people that consent to this course would be greatly improved. We believe that Europe today is that no one is sitting of Germany, has proposed a summit be given by Parliament. Parliament is it would decisively reinforce those On 28 October 1971, Prime Minister Edward Heath spoke in there waiting to have an amicable cup meeting of heads of Government in the the Parliament of all the people. European forces already working in of tea with him. Nevertheless, should course of next year and probably in the favour of liberal and progressive policies. the debate in the House of Commons on Britain’s application any of the apprehensions expressed spring. This meeting, will, I believe, settle “But tonight when this by himself or by his right hon. Friends the European approach to the problems House endorses this We have now resumed, with to join the European Community. materialise, then the machinery exists that we have been discussing of monetary Commonwealth agreement, our and is functioning to deal with them. arrangements, trading arrangements, Motion many millions negotiations with the Six, in which Britain and future political development. has been so ably served by Mr Heath This leads me to a kindred and allied of people right across and his team of experts. We are putting I do not think that any Prime Minister hon. Member for Cardiff, South-East There can be absolutely no doubt of the point. It is understandable after 10 If by any chance the House rejected this the world will rejoice forward some new proposals to deal with has stood at this Box in time of peace (Mr. Callaghan). He finished by saying world interest in this matter - of those years of negotiation and frustration that Motion tonight, that meeting would still the points raised at the Commonwealth and asked the House to take a positive that he wished to set this against a world physically watching and those waiting for many in debate and many in the country go on and it would still take its decisions that we have taken our Conference. Uncertainty about the decision of such importance as I am canvas. It has been said that this is a the outcome. Nor can there be any doubt outside have fought and talked in terms which will affect the greater part of rightful place in a truly outcome is bad for all concerned, and asking it to take tonight. I am well historic decision; it is being taken in of the reasons why. It is natural that we in of “we” and “they”. Some, I think, have Western Europe and affect us in our daily we are pressing for a speedy conclusion. aware of the responsibility which what many would describe as a this House, in this long debate, have been been overwhelmed by a fear that this lives. But we would not be there to take United Europe.” I myself hope that a complete outline of rests on my shoulders for so doing. historic week. largely concerned with the impact on our country in an organisation such as the a share in those decisions. That really agreement will soon emerge which we After 10 years of negotiation, after own country, but our decision tonight will Community must always be dominated would not be a sensible way to go about When we came to the end of the shall then submit to Parliament. many years of discussion in this Earlier, the world was watching New vitally affect the balance of forces in the by “they”. That is certainly not how the protecting our interests or our influence negotiations in 1963, after the veto had House and after 10 years of debate, York. They were waiting to see whether modern world for many years to come. rest of the Community sees it. But we in Europe and the world. But to be there been imposed, the negotiator on behalf One final word. It seems to me certain the moment of decision for Parliament China was going to become a member are approaching the point where, if this as a member of the Community, in my of India said: When you left India some that the policies adopted by this powerful has come. The other House has of the Security Council and of the It will affect the sort of world in which House so decides tonight, it will become view, would be an effective use of our people wept. And when you leave Europe Community in Europe will have a already taken its vote and expressed General Assembly. Tonight, the world we British people and many generations just as much our Community as their contribution of sovereignty. tonight some will weep. And there is no decisive effect on the future history of the its view. is similarly watching Westminster, to come will live their lives. Even since Community. We shall be partners, we other people in the world of whom these world and on our own fortunes here in waiting to see whether we are going to we last debated this in the House in July, shall be cooperating, and we shall be Surely we must consider the consequences things could be said. Britain. We are faced with a tremendous I cannot over-emphasise tonight the decide that Western Europe should now the situation has been transformed by trying to find common solutions to of staying out. We cannot delude ourselves issue. This is no time to bury our heads importance of the vote which is being move along the path to real unity – or China showing that, certainly within this common problems of all the members that an early chance would be given us That was a tribute from the Indians to in the sands of the past and take the kind taken, the importance of the issue, the whether the British Parliament, now century, it will be the third super Power. of an enlarged Community. to take the decision again. We should the British. But tonight when this House of parochial view which regards Europe scale and quality of the decision and given the choice, not for the first time We could not tell, when this decision was be denying ourselves and succeeding endorses this Motion many millions of with distrust and suspicion. the impact that it will have equally but probably for the last time for many taken in the United Nations, what the We have confidence that we can benefit generations the opportunities which people right across the world will rejoice inside and outside Britain. On one years to come, will reject the chance consequences of it would be, either for as well as contribute, that we can further are available to us in so many spheres; that we have taken our rightful place in The full text from Hansard has been The text of the pamphlet has been shortened. thing I agree very much with the right of creating a united Europe. China or for the rest of us in the western our own interests and the interests of the opportunities which we ourselves in a truly United Europe. slightly shortened. 10 | Britain and Europe in 10 speeches 11

Margaret Thatcher On 20 September 1988, at the beginning of the academic year of the College of Europe in Bruges, the British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, delivered a speech on the future of Europe. The speech was a defining moment in the debate on Europe in the UK and is considered by many commentators to mark the birth of the Euro-sceptic movement in Britain.

First, may I thank you for giving me the Our ancestors – Celts, Saxons, “Britain does not dream of some cosy, isolated opportunity to return to Bruges and in Danes – came from the Continent. very different circumstances from my existence on the fringes of the European Community. last visit shortly after the Zeebrugge Our nation was – in that favourite Our destiny is in Europe, as part of the Community.” Ferry disaster, when Belgian courage Community word – ”restructured” and the devotion of your doctors and under the Norman and Angevin rule in dominance of a single power. We have goodness for that, because Europe nurses saved so many British lives. the eleventh and twelfth centuries. This fought and we have died for her freedom. never would have prospered and never year, we celebrate the three hundredth Only miles from here, in Belgium, lie the will prosper as a narrow-minded, And second, may I say what a pleasure anniversary of the glorious revolution in bodies of 120,000 British soldiers who inward-looking club. The European it is to speak at the College of Europe which the British crown passed to Prince died in the First World War. Community belongs to all its members. under the distinguished leadership of its William of Orange and Queen Mary . It must reflect the traditions and Rector [Professor Lukaszewski]. The Had it not been for that willingness aspirations of all its members. College plays a vital and increasingly Visit the great churches and cathedrals to fight and to die, Europe would have important part in the life of the of Britain, read our literature and listen been united long before now – but not And let me be quite clear. Britain does not European Community. to our language: all bear witness to the in liberty, not in justice. It was British dream of some cosy, isolated existence on cultural riches which we have drawn support to resistance movements the fringes of the European Community. And third, may I also thank you for from Europe and other Europeans from throughout the last War that helped to Our destiny is in Europe, as part of the inviting me to deliver my address in us. We in Britain are rightly proud of keep alive the flame of liberty in so many Community. That is not to say that our this magnificent hall. What better the way in which, since Magna Carta countries until the day of liberation. future lies only in Europe, but nor does place to speak of Europe’s future than in the year 1215, we have pioneered and that of France or Spain or, indeed, a building which so gloriously recalls developed representative institutions Tomorrow, King Baudouin will attend of any other member. the greatness that Europe had already to stand as bastions of freedom. a service in Brussels to commemorate achieved over 600 years ago. Your city the many brave Belgians who gave The Community is not an end in itself. of Bruges has many other historical And proud too of the way in which their lives in service with the Royal Nor is it an institutional device to be associations for us in Britain. Geoffrey for centuries Britain was a home for Air Force – a sacrifice which we shall constantly modified according to the Chaucer was a frequent visitor here. people from the rest of Europe who never forget. And it was from our island dictates of some abstract intellectual And the first book to be printed in the sought sanctuary from tyranny. But fortress that the liberation of Europe concept. Nor must it be ossified by English language was produced here we know that without the European itself was mounted. And still, today, endless regulation. The European in Bruges by William Caxton. legacy of political ideas we could not we stand together. Nearly 70,000 Community is a practical means by have achieved as much as we did. British servicemen are stationed on the which Europe can ensure the future Mr. Chairman, you have invited me From classical and mediaeval thought mainland of Europe. All these things prosperity and security of its people in to speak on the subject of Britain and we have borrowed that concept of the alone are proof of our commitment a world in which there are many other Europe. Perhaps I should congratulate rule of law which marks out a civilised to Europe’s future. powerful nations and groups of nations. you on your courage. If you believe some society from barbarism. of the things said and written about my The European Community is one We Europeans cannot afford to waste views on Europe, it must seem rather And on that idea of Christendom, to manifestation of that European identity, our energies on internal disputes or like inviting Genghis Khan to speak which the Rector referred – Christendom but it is not the only one. We must never arcane institutional debates. They are on the virtues of peaceful coexistence! for long synonymous with Europe – forget that east of the Iron Curtain, no substitute for effective action. Europe with its recognition of the unique and people who once enjoyed a full share of has to be ready both to contribute in I want to start by disposing of some spiritual nature of the individual, on that European culture, freedom and identity full measure to its own security and to myths about my country, Britain, and idea, we still base our belief in personal have been cut off from their roots. We compete commercially and industrially its relationship with Europe and to do liberty and other human rights. shall always look on Warsaw, Prague and in a world in which success goes to the that, I must say something about the Budapest as great European cities. Nor countries which encourage individual identity of Europe itself. Europe is not Too often, the history of Europe is should we forget that European values initiative and enterprise, rather than the creation of the Treaty of Rome. described as a series of interminable have helped to make the United States those which attempt to diminish them. Nor is the European idea the property wars and quarrels. Yet from our of America into the valiant defender of any group or institution. perspective today surely what strikes of freedom which she has become. This evening I want to set out some us most is our common experience. For This is no arid chronicle of obscure guiding principles for the future which We British are as much heirs to the instance, the story of how Europeans facts from the dust-filled libraries of I believe will ensure that Europe does legacy of European culture as any explored and colonised – and yes, history. It is the record of nearly two succeed, not just in economic and other nation. Our links to the rest of without apology – civilised much of the thousand years of British involvement defence terms but also in the quality Europe, the continent of Europe, have world is an extraordinary tale of talent, in Europe, cooperation with Europe and of life and the influence of its peoples. been the dominant factor in our history. skill and courage. contribution to Europe, contribution For three hundred years, we were part which today is as valid and as strong My first guiding principle is this: of the Roman Empire and our maps But we British have in a very special as ever. willing and active cooperation still trace the straight lines of the roads way contributed to Europe. Over the between independent sovereign states the Romans built. centuries we have fought to prevent Yes, we have looked also to wider is the best way to build a successful Europe from falling under the horizons – as have others – and thank European Community. 4 12 | Britain and Europe in 10 speeches 13

“We have not successfully rolled back the frontiers of The aim of a Europe open to enterprise must make it easier for people to travel “Let Europe be a family of nations, understanding the state in Britain, only to see them re-imposed at a is the moving force behind the creation throughout the Community. of the Single European Market in 1992. each other better, appreciating each other more, European level with a European super-state exercising By getting rid of barriers, by making it But it is a matter of plain common doing more together but relishing our national identity a new dominance from Brussels.” possible for companies to operate on a sense that we cannot totally abolish European scale, we can best compete with frontier controls if we are also to protect no less than our common European endeavour.” the United States, Japan and other new our citizens from crime and stop the To try to suppress nationhood and the public support for the Community’s economic powers emerging in Asia and movement of drugs, of terrorists and Increasingly, they will look to Europe to Let Europe be a family of nations, concentrate power at the centre of future development. And that is why elsewhere. And that means action to free of illegal immigrants. play a part in out-of-area defence, as we understanding each other better, a European conglomerate would be the achievements of the European markets, action to widen choice, action have recently done in the Gulf. NATO appreciating each other more, doing highly damaging and would jeopardise Council in Brussels last February to reduce government intervention. That was underlined graphically and the Western European Union have more together but relishing our national the objectives we seek to achieve. are so important. only three weeks ago when one brave long recognised where the problems of identity no less than our common Europe will be stronger precisely Our aim should not be more and more German customs officer, doing his duty Europe’s defence lie, and have pointed European endeavour. because it has France as France, Spain It was not right that half the total detailed regulation from the centre: it on the frontier between Holland and out the solutions. And the time has as Spain, Britain as Britain, each with its Community budget was being spent on should be to deregulate and to remove Germany, struck a major blow against come when we must give substance to Let us have a Europe which plays its own customs, traditions and identity. It storing and disposing of surplus food. the constraints on trade. Britain has the terrorists of the IRA. our declarations about a strong defence full part in the wider world, which would be folly to try to fit them into some Now those stocks are being sharply been in the lead in opening its markets effort with better value for money. looks outward not inward, and which sort of identikit European personality. reduced. It was absolutely right to to others. The City of London has long And before I leave the subject of a single preserves that Atlantic community – decide that agriculture’s share of the welcomed financial institutions from market, may I say that we certainly do not It is not an institutional problem. It is not that Europe on both sides of the Atlantic Some of the founding fathers of the budget should be cut in order to free all over the world, which is why it is the need new regulations which raise the cost a problem of drafting. It is something – which is our noblest inheritance and Community thought that the United resources for other policies, such as biggest and most successful financial of employment and make Europe’s labour at once simpler and more profound: it is our greatest strength. States of America might be its model. helping the less well-off regions and centre in Europe. We have opened market less flexible and less competitive a question of political will and political But the whole history of America is quite helping training for jobs. our market for telecommunications with overseas suppliers. If we are to have courage, of convincing people in all our May I thank you for the privilege of different from Europe. People went equipment, introduced competition a European Company Statute, it should countries that we cannot rely for ever delivering this lecture in this great hall there to get away from the intolerance It was right too to introduce tighter into the market services and even into contain the minimum regulations. on others for our defence, but that each to this great college (applause). and constraints of life in Europe. They budgetary discipline to enforce these the network itself – steps which others member of the Alliance must shoulder sought liberty and opportunity; and decisions and to bring the Community in Europe are only now beginning And certainly we in Britain would fight a fair share of the burden. their strong sense of purpose has, over spending under better control. to face. attempts to introduce collectivism and two centuries, helped to create a new And those who complained that the corporatism at the European level – We must keep up public support for unity and pride in being American, Community was spending so much In air transport, we have taken the lead although what people wish to do in their nuclear deterrence, remembering that just as our pride lies in being British time on financial detail missed the in liberalisation and seen the benefits own countries is a matter for them. obsolete weapons do not deter, hence or Belgian or Dutch or German. point. You cannot build on unsound in cheaper fares and wider choice. the need for modernisation. We must foundations, financial or otherwise, Our coastal shipping trade is open My fourth guiding principle is that meet the requirements for effective I am the first to say that on many great and it was the fundamental reforms to the merchant navies of Europe. Europe should not be protectionist. conventional defence in Europe against issues the countries of Europe should agreed last winter which paved the way The expansion of the world economy Soviet forces which are constantly try to speak with a single voice. I want for the remarkable progress which we We wish we could say the same of many requires us to continue the process of being modernised. to see us work more closely on the things have made since on the Single Market. other Community members. removing barriers to trade, and to do we can do better together than alone. so in the multilateral negotiations in the We should develop the WEU, not as an But we cannot rest on what we have Regarding monetary matters, let me GATT. It would be a betrayal if, while alternative to NATO, but as a means of Europe is stronger when we do so, achieved to date. For example, the task say this. The key issue is not whether breaking down constraints on trade strengthening Europe’s contribution to whether it be in trade, in defence or in of reforming the Common Agricultural there should be a European Central within Europe, the Community were the common defence of the West. Above our relations with the rest of the world. Policy is far from complete. Certainly, Bank. The immediate and practical to erect greater external protection. all, at a time of change and uncertainly But working more closely together does Europe needs a stable and efficient requirements are: We must ensure that our approach in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, not require power to be centralised in farming industry. But the CAP has to world trade is consistent with the we must preserve Europe’s unity and Brussels or decisions to be taken by an become unwieldy, inefficient and grossly • to implement the Community’s liberalisation we preach at home. resolve so that whatever may happen, appointed bureaucracy. expensive. Production of unwanted commitment to free movement of We have a responsibility to give a our defence is sure. surpluses safeguards neither the income capital – in Britain, we have it; lead on this, a responsibility which is Indeed, it is ironic that just when those nor the future of farmers themselves. particularly directed towards the less At the same time, we must negotiate countries such as the Soviet Union, which We must continue to pursue policies • and to the abolition through the developed countries. They need not on arms control and keep the door wide have tried to run everything from the which relate supply more closely to Community of exchange controls only aid; more than anything, they open to cooperation on all the other centre, are learning that success depends market requirements, and which will – in Britain, we abolished them need improved trading opportunities if issues covered by the Helsinki Accords. on dispersing power and decisions away reduce over-production and limit costs. in 1979; they are to gain the dignity of growing But let us never forget that our way from the centre, there are some in the Of course, we must protect the villages economic strength and independence. of life, our vision and all we hope to Community who seem to want to move and rural areas which are such an • to establish a genuinely free market achieve, is secured not by the rightness in the opposite direction. important part of our national life, but in financial services in banking, My last guiding principle concerns the of our cause but by the strength of not by the instrument of agricultural insurance, investment; most fundamental issue – the European our defence. We have not successfully rolled back the prices. Tackling these problems requires countries’ role in defence. frontiers of the state in Britain, only to political courage. The Community • and to make greater use of the ecu. On this, we must never falter, never fail. see them re-imposed at a European level will only damage itself in the eyes of Europe must continue to maintain a sure with a European super-state exercising its own people and the outside world This autumn, Britain is issuing ecu- defence through NATO. There can be Mr. Chairman, I believe it is not enough a new dominance from Brussels. if that courage is lacking. denominated Treasury bills and hopes no question of relaxing our efforts, even just to talk in general terms about a to see other Community governments though it means taking difficult decisions European vision or ideal. If we believe Certainly we want to see Europe My third guiding principle is the increasingly do the same. and meeting heavy costs. It is to NATO in it, we must chart the way ahead more united and with a greater sense need for Community policies which that we owe the peace that has been and identify the next steps. And that of common purpose. But it must be encourage enterprise. These are the real requirements because maintained over 40 years. is what I have tried to do this evening. in a way which preserves the different they are what the Community business This approach does not require new traditions, parliamentary powers If Europe is to flourish and create the and industry need if they are to compete The fact is things are going our way: documents: they are all there, the North and sense of national pride in one’s jobs of the future, enterprise is the key. effectively in the wider world. And they the democratic model of a free enterprise Atlantic Treaty, the Revised Brussels own country; for these have been the The basic framework is there: are what the European consumer wants, society has proved itself superior; freedom Treaty and the Treaty of Rome, texts source of Europe’s vitality through the Treaty of Rome itself was intended for they will widen his choice and lower is on the offensive, a peaceful offensive written by far-sighted men, the centuries. as a Charter for Economic Liberty. his costs. It is to such basic practical the world over, for the first time in my a remarkable Belgian – Paul Henri Spaak But that it is not how it has always been steps that the Community’s attention life-time. – among them. My second guiding principle is this: read, still less applied. The lesson of should be devoted. Community policies must tackle present the economic history of Europe in the We must strive to maintain the United However far we may want to go, the problems in a practical way, however 70’s and 80’s is that central planning When those have been achieved and States’ commitment to Europe’s defence. truth is that we can only get there one difficult that may be. and detailed control do not work and sustained over a period of time, we And that means recognising the burden step at a time. And what we need now that personal endeavour and initiative shall be in a better position to judge the on their resources of the world role they is to take decisions on the next steps If we cannot reform those Community do. That a State-controlled economy next move. It is the same with frontiers undertake and their point that their forward, rather than let ourselves be policies which are patently wrong or is a recipe for low growth and that free between our countries. Of course, allies should bear the full part of the distracted by Utopian goals. Utopia ineffective and which are rightly causing enterprise within a framework of law we want to make it easier for goods to defence of freedom, particularly never comes, because we know we public disquiet, then we shall not get brings better results. pass through frontiers. Of course, we as Europe grows wealthier. should not like it if it did.

© Reproduced with permission from www.margaretthatcher.org, the website of the Margaret Thatcher Foundation 14 | Britain and Europe in 10 speeches 15

“We have done best when we have seen the Community after the comments of my right hon. “People throughout Europe see our Friend the Prime Minister two weeks Prime Minister’s finger-wagging and not as a static entity to be resisted and contained, but as ago, there is grave danger that the hard hear her passionate, ‘No, No, No’, an active process which we can shape, often decisively, ecu proposal is becoming untenable, much more clearly than the content because two things have happened. of the carefully worded formal texts.” provided that we allow ourselves to be fully engaged in He went on: “It is too easy for them to Sir Geoffrey Howe it, with confidence, with enthusiasm and in good faith.” The first is that my right hon. Friend the believe that we all share her attitudes; Prime Minister has appeared to rule out for why else has she been our Prime I do not regard the Italian presidency’s time on a given deal by proclaiming, as from the start any compromise at any Minister for so long?” On 13 November 1990 Sir Geoffrey Howe management of the Rome summit as my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister stage on any of the basic components a model of its kind - far from it. It was did two weeks ago, that we have that all the 11 other countries believe to My correspondent concluded: made a dramatic speech to the House of much the same, as my right hon. Friend “surrendered enough”. be a part of EMU - a single currency or a “This is a desperately serious situation the Prime Minister will recall, in Milan permanently fixed exchange rate, a central for our country.” And sadly, I have Commons in which he explained why he some five years ago. The European enterprise is not and bank or common monetary policy. Asked to agree. The tragedy is - and it is for should not be seen like that - as some whether we would veto any arrangement me personally, for my party, for our had resigned twelve days earlier from his I do not regard it as in any sense wrong kind of zero sum game. Sir Winston that jeopardised the pound sterling, my whole people and for my right hon. for Britain to make criticisms of that Churchill put it much more positively right hon. Friend replied simply, “Yes.” Friend herself, a very real tragedy - post as Deputy Prime Minister in Margaret kind plainly and courteously, nor in any 40 years ago, when he said: That statement means not that we can that the Prime Minister’s perceived sense wrong for us to do so, if necessary, block EMU but that they can go ahead attitude towards Europe is running Thatcher’s government, in which he had alone. As I have already made clear, “It is also possible and not less agreeable without us. Is that a position that is likely increasingly serious risks for the future I have, like the Prime Minister and to regard this sacrifice or merger of to ensure, as I put it in my resignation of our nation. It risks minimising our previously served as Foreign Secretary. other right hon. Friends, fought too national sovereignty as the gradual letter, that “we hold, and retain, a position influence and maximising our chances many European battles in a minority assumption by all the nations concerned of influence in this vital debate”? of being once again shut out. We The speech is widely seen as the catalyst of one to have any illusions on that score. of that larger sovereignty which have paid heavily in the past for late can alone protect their diverse and I fear not. Rather, to do so, we must, as starts and squandered opportunities for Margaret Thatcher’s resignation nine But it is crucially important that we distinctive customs and characteristics I said, take care not to rule in or rule out in Europe. We dare not let that should conduct those arguments upon and their national traditions.” any one solution absolutely. We must be happen again. If we detach ourselves days later. the basis of a clear understanding of the seen to be part of the same negotiation. completely, as a party or a nation, true relationship between this country, I have to say that I find Winston from the middle ground of Europe, the Community and our Community Churchill’s perception a good deal more The second thing that happened was, the effects will be incalculable and partners. And it is here, I fear, that my convincing, and more encouraging for I fear, even more disturbing. Reporting very hard ever to correct. right hon. Friend the Prime Minister the interests of our nation, than the to this House, my right hon. Friend increasingly risks leading herself and nightmare image sometimes conjured almost casually remarked that she did In my letter of resignation, which I others astray in matters of substance up by my right hon. Friend, who seems not think that many people would want tendered with the utmost sadness and as well as of style. sometimes to look out upon a continent to use the hard ecu anyway - even as a dismay, I said: “Cabinet Government that is positively teeming with ill- common currency, let alone as a single is all about trying to persuade one It was the late Lord Stockton, formerly intentioned people, scheming, in her one. It was remarkable - indeed, it was another from within”. Harold Macmillan, who first put the words, to “extinguish democracy”, tragic - to hear my right hon. Friend central point clearly. As long ago as to “dissolve our national identities” dismissing, with such personalised That was my commitment to Government 1962, he argued that we had to place and to lead us “through the back-door incredulity, the very idea that the hard by persuasion - persuading colleagues and keep ourselves within the EC. into a federal Europe”. ecu proposal might find growing favour and the nation. I have tried to do that as He saw it as essential then, as it is today, among the peoples of Europe, just as Foreign Secretary and since, but I realise not to cut ourselves off from the realities What kind of vision is that for our it was extraordinary to hear her assert now that the task has become futile: of power; not to retreat into a ghetto business people, who trade there each that the whole idea of EMU might be trying to stretch the meaning of words of sentimentality about our past and day, for our financiers, who seek to make open for consideration only by future beyond what was credible, and trying to so diminish our own control over our London the money capital of Europe or generations. Those future generations pretend that there was a common policy own destiny in the future. for all the young people of today? are with us today. How on earth are when every step forward risked being the Chancellor and the Governor of subverted by some casual comment The pity is that the Macmillan view These concerns are especially important the Bank of England, commending the or impulsive answer. had not been perceived more clearly a as we approach the crucial topic of hard ecu as they strive to, to be taken decade before in the 1950s. It would economic and monetary union. We must as serious participants in the debate The conflict of loyalty, of loyalty to my have spared us so many of the struggles be positively and centrally involved in this against that kind of background noise? right hon. Friend the Prime Minister - I find to my astonishment that a quarter style would be necessary to rupture such him, I concluded at least five years ago not continue in office unless a specific of the last 20 years had we been in debate and not fearfully and negatively I believe that both the Chancellor and and, after all, in two decades together of a century has passed since I last a well-tried relationship. It was a privilege that the conduct of our policy against commitment to join the ERM was made. the Community from the outset; detached. The costs of disengagement the Governor are cricketing enthusiasts, that instinct of loyalty is still very real spoke from one of the Back Benches. to serve as my right hon. Friend’s first inflation could no longer rest solely on had we been ready, in the much too here could be very serious indeed. so I hope that there is no monopoly of - and of loyalty to what I perceive to Fortunately, however, it has been my Chancellor of the Exchequer ; to share attempts to measure and control the As the House will no doubt have simple phrase, to “surrender some cricketing metaphors. It is rather like be the true interests of the nation, has privilege to serve for the past 12 months in the transformation of our industrial domestic money supply. We had no observed, neither member of that sovereignty” at a much earlier stage. There is talk, of course, of a single sending your opening batsmen to the become all too great. I no longer believe of that time as Leader of the House of relations scene; to help launch our free doubt that we should be helped in that particular partnership now remains If we had been in from the start, as currency for Europe. I agree that there crease only for them to find, the moment it possible to resolve that conflict from Commons, so I have been reminded quite market programme, commencing with battle, and, indeed, in other respects, in office. Our successor as Chancellor almost everybody now acknowledges, are many difficulties about the concept - the first balls are bowled, that their bats within this Government. That is why recently of the traditional generosity and the abolition of exchange control; and, by joining the exchange rate mechanism of the Exchequer has, during the past we should have had more, not less, both economic and political. Of course, have been broken before the game by I have resigned. In doing so, I have done tolerance of this place. I hope that I may above all, to achieve such substantial of the European monetary system. year, had to devote a great deal of his influence over the Europe in which as I said in my letter of resignation, the team captain. what I believe to be right for my party count on that today as I offer to the House success against inflation, getting it down There was, or should have been, nothing considerable talents to demonstrating we live today. We should never forget none of us wants the imposition of a and my country. The time has come for a statement about my resignation from within four years from 22 per cent to novel about joining the ERM; it has exactly how those Madrid conditions the lesson of that isolation, of being on single currency. But that is not the real The point was perhaps more sharply others to consider their own response the Government. 4 per cent upon the basis of the strict been a long-standing commitment. have been attained, so as to make it the outside looking in, for the conduct risk. The 11 others cannot impose their put by a British businessman, trading to the tragic conflict of loyalties with monetary discipline involved in the For a quarter of a century after the possible to fulfil a commitment whose of today’s affairs. solution on the 12th country against its in Brussels and elsewhere, who wrote which I have myself wrestled for perhaps It has been suggested - even, indeed, medium-term financial strategy. Not Second World War, we found that the achievement has long been in the will, but they can go ahead without us. to me last week, stating: too long. by some of my right hon. and hon. one of our economic achievements very similar Bretton Woods regime did national interest. We have done best when we have seen The risk is not imposition but isolation. Friends - that I decided to resign solely would have been possible without the serve as a useful discipline. Now, as my the Community not as a static entity The real threat is that of leaving “The conflict of loyalty, of loyalty to my right hon. because of questions of style and not courage and leadership of my right right hon. Friend the Prime Minister It is now, alas, impossible to resist the to be resisted and contained, but as ourselves with no say in the monetary on matters of substance at all. Indeed, hon. Friend - and, if I may say so, they acknowledged two weeks ago, our entry conclusion that today’s higher rates of an active process which we can shape, arrangements that the rest of Europe Friend the Prime Minister - and, after all, in two if some of my former colleagues are to possibly derived some little benefit from into the ERM can be seen as an “extra inflation could well have been avoided often decisively, provided that we allow chooses for itself, with Britain once decades together that instinct of loyalty is still very be believed, I must be the first Minister the presence of a Chancellor who was discipline for keeping down inflation.” had the question of ERM membership ourselves to be fully engaged in it, with again scrambling to join the club later, in history who has resigned because he not exactly a wet himself. been properly considered and resolved confidence, with enthusiasm and in after the rules have been set and after real - and of loyalty to what I perceive to be the true was in full agreement with Government However, it must be said that that at a much earlier stage. There are, I fear, good faith. the power has been distributed by others interests of the nation, has become all too great.” policy. The truth is that, in many It was a great honour to serve for six practical conclusion has been achieved developing grounds for similar anxiety to our disadvantage. That would be the aspects of politics, style and substance years as Foreign and Commonwealth only at the cost of substantial damage to over the handling - not just at and after We must at all costs avoid presenting worst possible outcome. complement each other. Very often, Secretary and to share with my right hon. her Administration and, more serious the Rome summit - of the wider, much ourselves yet again with an over-simplified they are two sides of the same coin. Friend in some notable achievements still, to its inflation achievements. more open question of economic and choice, a false antithesis, a bogus dilemma, It is to avoid just that outcome and to in the European Community - from monetary union. Let me first make between one alternative, starkly labelled find a compromise both acceptable The Prime Minister and I have Fontainebleau to the Single European As my right hon. Friend the Member clear certain important points on which “co-operation between independent in the Government and sellable in shared something like 700 meetings Act. But it was as we moved on to for Blaby explained: “The real tragedy I have no disagreement with my right sovereign states” and a second, Europe that my right hon. Friend of Cabinet or shadow Cabinet during consider the crucial monetary issues in is that we did not join the exchange rate hon. Friend, the Prime Minister. I do not equally crudely labelled alternative, the Chancellor has put forward his the past 18 years, and some 400 hours the European context that I came to feel mechanism at least five years ago.” As he regard the Delors report as some kind “centralised, federal super-state”, as if hard ecu proposal. This lays careful alongside each other, at more than 30 increasing concern. Some of the reasons also made clear, “That was not for want of sacred text that has to be accepted, there were no middle way in between. emphasis on the possibility that the international summit meetings. For both for that anxiety were made very clear by of trying.” Indeed, the so-called Madrid or even rejected, on the nod. But it is an hard ecu as a common currency of us, I suspect, it is a pretty daunting my right hon. Friend the Member for conditions came into existence only after important working document. As I have We commit a serious error if we think could, given time, evolve into a single record. The House might well feel that Blaby (Mr. Lawson) in his resignation the then Chancellor and I, as Foreign often made plain, it is seriously deficient always in terms of “surrendering” currency. I have of course supported something more than simple matters of speech just over 12 months ago. Like Secretary, made it clear that we could in significant respects. sovereignty and seek to stand pat for all the hard ecu plan. But after Rome, and 16 | Britain and Europe in 10 speeches 17

of Parliament. The Chamber does not entrusted to us are not for us to give what is planned. If people vote for that, aspirations of those who put us here. want to use its power. It has accepted away. Even if I agree with everything they will all have capitulated. Julius That is not a nationalist argument, nor the role of a spectator and joined what that is proposed, I cannot hand away Caesar said, “We are just merging is it about sovereignty. It is a democratic Bagehot called the dignified part of the powers lent to me for five years by the our sovereignty.” So did William the argument, and it should be decisive in a Tony Benn constitution, leaving the Crown, under people of Chesterfield. I just could not Conqueror. It is not possible to support democratic Chamber. the control of the Prime Minister, to be do it. It would be theft of public rights. the Government’s motion. I have told the Executive part. the Chief Whip that I cannot support On 20 November 1991, as the Maastricht Treaty was being debated, Tony Benn Therefore, there is only one answer. the Labour amendment. I invite the If democracy is destroyed in Britain, it If people are determined to submit House to vote against the Government’s made a memorable speech in the House of Commons setting out the reasons for will be not the communists, Trotskyists themselves to Jacques Delors, motion and not to support a motion or subversives but this House which Madam Papandreou and the Council which purports to take us faster into his opposition to European Community. threw it away. The rights that are of Ministers, we must tell the people a Community which cannot reflect the

Three points about the debate “The rights that are entrusted to us are not for us very comfortable. They were all Queen have interested me. First, there Victoria’s grandsons, and there was is fundamental agreement among to give away. Even if I agree with everything that is no nonsense about human rights when the three party leaders. The Prime proposed, I cannot hand away powers lent to me for Queen Victoria’s grandsons repressed Minister is on the eve of negotiations people. Then there was the Russian so he has to be cautious. The Leader five years by the people of Chesterfield. I just could revolution. Then there was the inter-war of the Opposition, who hopes to take not do it.” period. Then there was the Anglo-Soviet over, can be bolder. The Liberal alliance. Then there was the cold war. Democrats, who are far from office, allowed to elect those who make the views on Albania and the Baltic states. Now we have a Boris Yeltsin who has can be quite clear about their objective. laws under which they are governed. I have been dazzled by the knowledge joined the Monday Club. There have There is no disagreement about the The argument is nothing to do with of the continent of which we are all part. been many Europes. This is not the idea, that we should move from the whether we should get more maternity No one has spoken about how he or she only Europe on offer. original membership of the community leave from Madame Papandreou than got here and what we were sent here to do. through the Single European Act from Madame Thatcher. That is not I understand that my hon. Friend to something stronger. Secondly, a the issue. If people lose the power to sack their the Member for Sunderland, South degree of caution has emerged from Government, one of several things [Mr. Mullin] is a democratic federalist, people who, when they discussed the I recognise that, when the members of happens. First, people may just slope as is my hon. Friend the Member matter 20 years ago, were far more the three Front Benches agree, I am in off. Apathy could destroy democracy. for Derbyshire, North-East [Mr. uncritical. Thirdly - I say this with some a minority. My next job therefore is to When the turnout drops below 50 per Barnes]. They want an American-type satisfaction - 21 years after I urged a explain to the people of Chesterfield cent., we are in danger. constitution for Europe. It could be referendum, I have won the right hon. what we have decided. I will say first, that our laws would hang on which Member for Finchley [Mrs. Thatcher] “My dear constituents, in future you Mr. Peter Hardy (Wentworth): way the Albanian members voted. and the right hon. Member for Yeovil will be governed by people whom you Like the United States. I could not complain about that, [Mr. Ashdown] to my cause. I had to do not elect and cannot remove. I am because that is democracy, but it is wait 21 years, but it has been worth sorry about it. They may give you better Mr. Benn: As my hon. Friend says, in unworkable. It is like trying to get waiting for some recognition of the fact crèches and shorter working hours but the United States turnouts are very low. an elephant to dance through a that the people have a right to a say in you cannot remove them.” That is partly caused by the scale of the minefield, but it would be democratic. their Government. country. The second thing that people I know that it sounds negative but I have can do is to riot. Riot is an old-fashioned Another way would be to have a I do not want to go over old ground, always thought it positive to say that the method of drawing the attention of looser, wider Europe. I have an idea because this is not a question of yes important thing about democracy is the Government to what is wrong. It is for a Commonwealth of Europe. I or no to the status quo; we are looking that we can remove without bloodshed difficult for an elected person to admit am introducing a Bill on the subject. to the future. Some people genuinely the people who govern us. We can get it, but the riot at Strangeways produced Europe would be rather like the British believe that we shall never get social rid of a Callaghan, a Wilson or even a some prison reforms. Riot has historically Commonwealth. We would work by justice from the British Government, right hon. Lady by internal processes. played a much larger part in British consent with people. Or we could accept but we shall get it from Jacques Delors. We can get rid of the right hon. Member politics than we are ever allowed to know. this ghastly proposal, which is clumsy, They believe that a good king is better for Huntingdon [Mr. Major]. But that secretive, centralised, bureaucratic and than a bad Parliament. I have never cannot be done in the structure that is Thirdly, nationalism can arise. Instead divisive. That is how I regard the Treaty taken that view. Others believe that proposed. Even if one likes the policies of blaming the Treaty of Rome, people of Rome. I was born a European and the change is inevitable, and that the of the people in Europe, one cannot get say, “It is those Germans,” or, “It is the I will die one, but I have never put my common currency will protect us rid of them. French.” Nationalism is built out of alliance behind the Treaty of Rome. from inflation and will provide a wage frustration that people feel when they I object to it. I hate being called an policy. They believe that it will control Secondly, we say to my favourite friends, cannot get their way through the ballot anti-European. How can one be anti- speculation and that Britain cannot the Chartists and suffragettes, “All your box. With nationalism comes repression. European when one is born in Europe? survive alone. None of those arguments struggles to get control of the ballot box I hope that it is not pessimistic - in my It is like saying that one is anti-British if persuade me because the argument has were a waste of time. We shall be run view it is not - to say that democracy one does not agree with the Chancellor never been about sovereignty. in future by a few white persons, as in hangs by a thread in every country of the Exchequer. What a lot of nonsense 1832.” The instrument, I might add, is of the world. Unless we can offer people it is. I do not know what a sovereign is, the Royal Prerogative of treaty making. a peaceful route to the resolution apart from the one that used to be in For the first time since 1649 the Crown of injustices through the ballot box, I ask myself why the House is ready gold and the Pope who is a sovereign makes the laws - advised, I admit, by the they will not listen to a House that to contemplate abandoning its duties, in the Vatican. We are talking about Prime Minister. has blocked off that route. There are as I fear it is. I was elected 41 years ago democracy. No nation - not even the many alternatives open to us. One hon. this month. This Chamber has lost great United States which could, for We must ask what will happen when Member said that he was young and confidence in democracy. It believes all I know, be destroyed by a nuclear people realise what we have done. had not fought in the war. He looked at that it must be governed by someone weapon from a third-world country We have had a marvellous debate about a new Europe. But there have been five else. It is afraid to use the powers - has the power to impose its will on Europe, but none of us has discussed Europes this century. There was the entrusted to it by its constituents. It has other countries. We are discussing our relationship with the people who sent one run by the King, the Kaiser and the traded power for status. One gets asked whether the British people are to be us here. Hon. Members have expressed Tsar - they were all cousins, so that was to go on the telly if one is a Member 18 | Britain and Europe in 10 speeches 19

Mr Major’s party was dragged by solutions to everything except the John Major “to a golden age that never different ways face similar problems the magnet of Margaret Thatcher’s question of who owns the press. was”. Golden and gloriously insular, the WTO, the IMF, the United Nations still potent political influence, made “this blessed plot” (the punning title of especially perhaps in its relationship more powerful still by its support in So it is not easy to unpick all the pieces Hugo Young’s masterly book on Britain with American citizens. This is the real much of the Tory press, into adopting and discover exactly what lies at the and Europe) had a longer and deeper sovereignty issue. Not, how we can do increasingly shrill, extreme and centre of the problem. But let me suggest tradition of liberty, parliamentary everything on our own? But, how can periodically ridiculous positions five reasons for our uncertainty and democracy and law than our European we increase the accountability of the on Europe. our general grumpiness. It is not an neighbours; we had twice in less than arrangements that our history as well exhaustive list. 30 years come to their aid when they as our concerns about our present and Has the pattern been broken by Mr threatened to engulf our continent future have obliged us to establish. Blair’s government? In part, I suppose First, the most telling as well as in fire and blood; we were outward it has. The debate is still dominated best-known criticism of the United looking, independent-spirited and Fourth, The European Union also by red lines and talk of defeats and Kingdom’s post-war geo-strategic entrepreneurial. And it took a deep sense suffers from being thought to be the victories, but Mr Blair to his credit has ambitions and dilemmas was Dean of magnanimity on our part to forgive political product of an elite, something not yet retreated megaphone in hand Acheson’s observation that we had lost them for being, well, foreign, especially foisted on the hewers of wood and the to the bunker. He still makes speeches, an empire but failed to find a role. To when they were German or French. drawers of water. This is not a uniquely rather good ones, setting out his positive most of the American and European “I tries ‘ard,” Ernest Bevin told the British feeling. Fifty years ago Raymond views on Europe, though he usually Founding Fathers of the post-war commander of the British occupation Aron wrote, “The European idea is travels abroad to do so. world, it seemed obvious that our role forces in Germany after the war, “but empty…. It was created by intellectuals, should be leading and driving the I ‘ates [the Germans].” Perhaps we are and that fact accounts for its genuine On the other hand, if you apply the integration of Europe. But that more forgiving today, though Margaret appeal to the mind and its feeble appeal Government’s own initial tests of is not how it seemed to us. Churchill, Thatcher’s famous Chequers seminar at to the heart.” The strongest appeal success, the story looks rather different. of course, saw the historic necessity the cusp of German reunification was not to the heart has probably stemmed Mr Blair was determined when he came of a united Europe but was at best a high point in Anglo-German relations. from the historic act of reconciliation into power to make Britain comfortable ambivalent about exactly how And France? Anyone who thinks we between France and Germany which with its position in Europe, and in Britain should fit into the design. have been and are today better behaved was the Union’s real genesis. I hope that June 1998 his closest colleague Peter We were “with Europe, but not of about “l’hexagon” should return to the welcoming the countries of the former Mandelson, claiming to speak for it…linked, but not comprised… coverage of French policy in the run-up Soviet Empire, cut off from us for forty the Prime Minister (why should we interested and associated, but not to the Iraq conflict. years by walls and tanks and barbed disbelieve that?), explained what that absorbed”, he declared. That view wire, back into the European family will meant. In 7 to 10 years time, he argued, had some salience after the Second Worries about sovereignty are the have as much appeal to hearts at least in Britain should count as much as France World War - why should we become cause of a third set of concerns. Now those countries that are coming home. or Germany in the European Union, enmeshed in the politics of exhausted, sovereignty is a notoriously slippery Otherwise we have to rely on what we an outcome which he conceded would defeated, destroyed neighbours? We concept. It is not a finite, political can achieve together, security for our only be possible if Britain joined the could stand at the intersection between commodity here one moment, gone citizens, jobs, higher living standards, economic and monetary union. We three overlapping rings, America, the the next. But that is how it is invariably a cleaner environment to make the know what happened, or did not happen. Commonwealth and Europe. We had discussed bearing one simple political European case. This touches for me We resolved to be indecisive. So while the special relationship with America meaning, our ability to manage our own on two issues that are relevant to the we are not yet back in the trenches, to help provide us with our allegedly affairs largely on our own. I inserted the halt that political reality has called for a year that brought the bust-up over independent nuclear weapon. word “largely”, assuming generously the time being to the efforts to agree Iraq, and the postponement sine die that not even the most extreme on an all-embracing constitutional Chris Patten of any decision over entry into EMU, We had the leadership of the sovereigntist believes that we can run treaty for Europe. could certainly not be regarded as a Commonwealth to give clout to our Britain entirely on our own, “master triumphant time for the achievement global aspirations. Why turn our back on of our fate, captain of our soul.” The most successful institutional On 30 January 2004, Chris Patten, of Mr Blair’s original objectives. our friends their first-cousin familiarity, changes in Europe have come at the their values, their butter and their lamb To the sovereigntist, Europe comes service of policies. We wished, for European Commissioner for External Of course the current enthusiasm for and lock ourselves into structures that like a thief in the night, pilfering and example, to make the single market what ministers call trilateralism, Mr were unlikely to succeed, or could only desecrating the national political work more effectively so we introduced Relations, delivered the Alcuin lecture Blair’s understandable efforts to muscle do so at the price of our Atlanticist symbols of our island home. Let us greater majority voting to manage it. in on the Franco-German partnership freedom? Perhaps it took Suez as well be clear, clearer than some may have We wanted to introduce a single at the University of Cambridge in which may be the shape of things to come. as the remarkable speed at which the wanted to be at the outset of the debate, currency, hence the Maastricht treaty. An enlarged Union cannot go on as German economy overtook our own to about whether Britain should join We wanted to develop a more coherent he asked “Will Britain ever ‘actually’ join before so perhaps we do need a new convince us that the Fellowship of the Europe. Integration political and approach to external relations so we answer. But that answer brings new three Rings was not going to provide economic does involve pooling and changed the treaties and appointed the EU?”. questions of its own: will the French and us with an adequate infrastructure for sharing sovereignty. We do that to a High Representative for Foreign Germans want us enough for it to work? our diplomacy, our economic prosperity greater and lesser extents in international and Security Policy. Where the Will the UK ever be willing to accept the and our security. So Mr Macmillan organisations like NATO and the institutional debate seems divorced give-and-take in policy outcomes that applied for membership of the Common UN, and we certainly do it in Europe from practical ends it is always more Flying back from Tokyo to Brussels a Reflecting on this at 40.000 feet, as dawn Europe or, to be more prosaically politicians going through a pantomime will be involved (perhaps we should take Market and when his suit was rejected whenever we agree that we can cope likely to run into difficulties. The work couple of years ago, I was confronted broke over the frozen Russian landscape correct, with the other members of of foot-stamping, finger-wagging, name- heart from Britain’s willingness to do so by General de Gaulle in 1963 wrote better with common problems or of the Inter-Governmental Conference, by the existential question that continues below, my reverie was interrupted by a the European Union is a subject for calling nonsense. Margaret Thatcher in discussions with the US)? And would in his diary, “All our policies at home augment our ability to pursue our following the Convention, needs to to curdle Britain’s relationship with its charming stewardess from Basingstoke, psycho-therapists as much as for political campaigned for a “yes” vote in the this approach deliver the widespread and abroad are in ruins. We have lost national interest by doing things together be seen clearly to be focussed on the European partners. My visit to Japan had as I recall, who set about laying my scientists. It is a subject that has divided 1975 European referendum campaign, sense of consensus and participation everything, except our courage and and by establishing supranational practical issue of making a Union of itself been revealing. I had gone there just table for breakfast. “Do you mind, parties, consumed the most promising sent out her Whips to drive the Single required to make the EU work? Will determination.” The determination institutions or rules to manage the 25 or more work effectively. after the eruption of a media controversy Mr Patten, if I ask you a personal political careers in flames, enfeebled European Act through Parliament, the trilateralists be able to convince to try, eventually successfully, again policies that we have agreed to share. at home about whether Britain’s absence question?” Wondering what was coming and even destroyed governments, and ended her years as Prime Minister the other twenty-two that they are not and again. A fifth characteristic of our own from the euro-zone would have any next, I nervously welcomed the enquiry. helped to vulgarise and demean parts raging at the elements that destroyed her seeking to establish a directoire? And here lies what I believe to be one European affair is our consistent belief damaging impact on the enthusiasm “Do you think,” she said, “that Britain of our media, distorted the debate as surely as they had earlier swept away But forty years on, the same sense that of the most interesting problems today that whatever the others are up to is of Asians to invest in our country. Most will ever actually join Europe?” about Britain’s world role and purpose, both her critics and her acolytes. John Why is the European question so we are not really at home with Europeans, in political science. The nation state probably bad and will certainly not of the press had pooh-poohed the idea. and corroded our ability to pursue our Major, confident, as he told an audience difficult for us? What is the problem? that our place lies pre-eminently with remains everywhere the unit most able work. This attitude existed from the At my first meeting with the Japanese Quite so. Roll away the years. Throw national interest. The subject of Europe in Bonn in the Spring of 1991 that We grumble about loss of sovereignty our friends to the West, that we can cut to attract and reflect the loyalties of very beginning. The Foreign Office’s Prime Minister, Mr Koizumi, I embarked the dust sheets over the conference tables. continues to provoke a collective nervous Britain was now “where it belongs at the while our Westminster Parliament a global dash on our own and should individual citizens. Yet citizens in many reaction to the Schuman plan which, on a long over-view of the satisfactory Pack the visionary waffle back in the breakdown in the political classes. Every very heart of Europe”, soon found that is gutted by the executive, and our avoid being tied down by European countries recognise that their interests in 1950, laid the first building block state of European relations with his lexicons. Wake up from the nightmare government eventually succumbs to the heart was beating a tad unsteadily. unwritten constitution is regularly entanglements, infuses discussion cannot be protected or advanced by for the new Europe, was to denounce country. As I finished my remarks, that the Brussels jack-boot is stamping the same virus. It is as though a higher Black Wednesday was followed by re-written on the back of an envelope. about our role in the world. What their national governments on their France for behaving extremely badly Mr Koizumi (barely containing his on Britain’s yeoman neck. Will we ever destiny had ordained that we can the Maastricht ratification crisis, the We point to our geography, an off-shore exactly should that quasi-independent own. Crime, disease, terrorism, drugs, by springing the proposal on the world impatience) came directly to his point. “actually” - I like that word - join Europe? only have a relationship with Europe Ioannina voting rights struggle, the non- archipelago, peopled by sea-farers role be? It is not very clear. trade, the environment, all demand without consultation. Britain refused “When,” he asked, “is Britain going that inevitably becomes fractious and cooperation over BSE and the battening whose nostrils twitch in the Atlantic co-operation between national on principle to join in any talks on to enter the Euro-zone?” And so it The question is a reminder that the irritating, a relationship that before down of hatches during the Amsterdam breeze while we travel and work more A second strand in our relationship governments. Co-operating, they a plan for pooling the coal and steel continued, at meeting after meeting. analysis of Britain’s relationship with long has otherwise perfectly serious Inter-governmental conference. than ever before in the neighbouring with Europe has been the sense that establish international organisations industries of France and Germany and lands of our continent, and go there we are fundamentally different from to manage the sovereignty they are placing decision-making in the hands increasingly to set up home taking them, different and superior. Margaret sharing. But these institutions do not of a supranational body. In Clement “Reflecting on this at 40,000 feet, as dawn broke over the frozen Russian landscape below, my reverie was Marmite to Malaga and Weetabix to the Thatcher conceded in her famous Bruges command the same understanding and Attlee’s words this would be “utterly interrupted by a charming stewardess from Basingstoke, as I recall, who set about laying my table for breakfast. Dordogne. We buy, by the standards speech in 1988 that links with Europe loyalty that citizens customarily feel undemocratic and responsible to of our European partners, prodigious had been “the dominant factor in our towards their national institutions. This nobody”. The story continued from “Do you mind, Mr Patten, if I ask you a personal question?” Wondering what was coming next, I nervously quantities of newspapers, at least half of history”, but she and many others still is not just a problem for the institutions of Messina to Rome, and on to today and welcomed the enquiry. “Do you think,” she said, “that Britain will ever actually join Europe?” which court predominantly nationalist looked back to borrow a phrase from the European Union. Others in the launch of the single currency. 4 20 | Britain and Europe in 10 speeches 21

The construction of the European Union making a success of our partnership “We seem to see every meeting as another battle that has not been smooth, nor easy nor a with Europe, should tackle Britain’s matter of triumph piled on triumph. Euro-psychosis? we are doomed to lose to the wily foreigners. When we But what has been put together represents win, we decline to believe it or report it. If we do not an astonishing indeed unique sharing I begin from the assumption that you of sovereignty involving today almost cannot win a debate unless you take get our own way, it is humiliation for battling Blighty, every nation state in Europe as present part in it. There are various forms of another case of our bananas being straightened or our Members, Members-in-waiting, or Euro-scepticism: some simply reflect aspirant Members. misunderstandings about what is bangers bannned.” happening in Europe; some reflect gut What is surprising is not that we lurch instincts; some reflect deep hostility know what we want, is deeply damaging When we win, we decline to believe it from drama to drama, but that we move to the whole enterprise; some reflect to the achievement of our goals and to or report it. If we do not get our own forward so fast and, for most of the time, opinions on what Europe would be like our ability to play a leading role in way, it is humiliation for battling Blighty, so effectively. When eventually we in if only the Europeans would understand shaping the agenda. another case of our bananas being Britain join the euro-zone, as most of the error of their present ways; and so straightened or our bangers banned. our public seem to think inevitable, we on. Whatever the brand of scepticism, We should also recognise that we are The truth is different. Whether securing will doubtless bemoan the fact once you cannot deal with it by lying doggo, more likely to get what we want if there budgetary discipline in Europe, battling again that we have not been around for by keeping your head down and trying are strong and effective institutions for a real single market, leading the longer shaping the rules and leading to avoid antagonising those newspapers with clearly defined goals. In an campaign to liberalise the European the economic debate, and we will also edited by Paul Dacre, or owned by excellent pamphlet, “Can Britain lead in economy, promoting the biggest I suspect ask ourselves what all the fuss Rupert Murdoch or at least until Europe?” published over 5 years ago, enlargement in the EU’s history, or was about. recently by Lord Black, that well-known Charles Grant recalled Jean Monnet’s preparing the ground for an enhanced British peer. observation in his memoirs that European contribution to our own All the issues I have mentioned in a “Unlike many people I never feared security, Britain has secured most sense play into what is for me the crucial The respected columnist Peter Riddell that the entry of Great Britain would of its attainable strategic objectives. question. The question what should be wrote the other day that there did not impair the smooth functioning of the Others, like the reform of the Common our relationship with Europe? folds into seem anymore to be a pro-European Community. ‘They want things to Agricultural Policy, have proved tougher the question what sort of people do we political party in Britain. Certainly work’, I explained ‘and when they see to secure (although even there we ought think we are? Answering the question the pro-European argument has been that Europe can only work through its to acknowledge that there is movement about Europe answers the question thinly deployed. If Mr Blair still shares institutions they will be the strongest in the right direction, however slow and about us. his initial well-expressed enthusiasms as defenders of them’.” Alas, that has not painful it might be). But the need for I believe he does I hope he will risk the been the story of the last 25 years. reform does of course recall the Irish We in Britain have a great history. wrath of Wapping and send his ministers traveller’s dilemma that we should not We are the heirs to a great intellectual out day by day to spread the word. Europe’s institutions are the have been starting from here. and literary tradition. We have - no arrangements that we have helped to thanks to successive British Governments In particular, it is crucial to tackle create in order to run policy in the areas We should ensure, too, that we do not - great universities. Our Armed Forces three issues. where we want to co-operate. It is self- end up with a European Parliament so are as efficiently professional as they are destructive for Britain and for other remote from the electors that its claim over-stretched. All that, and much more, First, we have no choice but to make Member States as well to disparage to democratic legitimacy were merely a is true. We count for something in the a success of our place in Europe. No, those institutions, to treat them like the fig-leaf for the obsessions of individual world and, whether through the BBC let me rephrase that. We do not have enemy, to celebrate populist victories over members. There is no reason to doubt World Service, or the British Council, one choice. We can quit Europe. It is organisations that were established to that today’s MEPs are as devoted and or our aid programmes, or our trading not impossible; it would not unleash look beyond day to day national interests. conscientious, anxious to promote the instincts, or our diplomatic service, we Biblical plagues on our island; we I would not wish to see an over-mighty concerns of their electors, as many make ourselves felt. To recycle an old could doubtless survive. But we would Commission, bloated and arrogant. of their national counterparts. But if saw, we punch above our weight. So, be poorer. We would certainly have public discussion in the UK continues to as James Bond says to Tiger Tanaka less real sovereignty or independence. But nor do I want a weak Commission, portray them as out of touch and in it for in You Only Live Twice. “England may Given the cat’s cradle of economic, unable to manage independently themselves, we risk fulfilling those low have been bled pretty thin by a couple trading, environmental and other policies that are sometimes necessarily expectations and reducing participation of world wars” note the use of “England” relationships with Europe, we would uncomfortable, too anxious and in European elections below its already “our Welfare State policies may have fetch up with all the enhanced liberty defensive to give an intellectual lead in embarrassing levels. made us expect too much for free, and that would accompany absenting policy-making or to play the valuable the liberation of our Colonies may have ourselves from making the decisions role of pointing out when the Emperor Finally, and very briefly, debate in gone too fast, but we still climb Everest that intimately affect our lives. It would has no clothes. the Convention and in the Inter- and beat plenty of the world at sports, be the first time in a millennium that we Governmental Conference, and and win plenty of Nobel prizes…… would have chosen to demote ourselves A more effective and successful comment and discussion on those There’s nothing wrong with the to a lower league. European Union, with Britain more debates in many of the Member States, British people.” comfortable “at its heart” (to return should remind us that we have a historic Nor should we kid ourselves that to that phrase), is not an alternative to opportunity to mould the way that The sentiments, for all their period somehow Europe would be obliged the Trans-Atlantic relationship. That the European Union evolves. The Tony Blair charm are not wholly misplaced, to accommodate our every whim and relationship is stronger when Europe issues that concern us: democratic and we have at least continued to win interest, and would even be attracted is capable of acting more coherently accountability, subsidiarity, defining Nobel Prizes at an impressive rate: by our vision of a club made up of those paradoxically, even when we disagree. where Europe really does add value, are On 23 June 2005 the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, addressed the European 58 from 1901-1964; 43 from 1965-2003. prepared to co-operate with us on our To make the choice for a stronger Europe of equal concern to others. Were we to own terms. Remember E.F.T.A. is not to choose hostility to the United open our eyes wider, were we to listen a Parliament against the background of the rejection of the Constitution for Europe Where we get into trouble is when we States. But we will not always agree with little harder, we would discover that we give the impression in the words of If we discount the choice of quitting, our American partners, and when we are not “loners”, obsessed with political in referenda in France and the Netherlands. Noel Coward (admittedly writing a lyric what is there to be said for doing anything disagree we should have the confidence and institutional issues that register no about “the pillars of London society”) other than trying to make the greatest to say so and the ability to act not simply blips on other radar screens. We have that “Nature selected us/perfected us”, possible success of the whole endeavour? to criticise. We would, for example, be the chance to put a cogent and coherent and that we are “Firmly convinced our We are not week-end members. Our kidding ourselves to believe that we could vision of Europe’s future, and the It is an honour to be here in the I want to talk to you plainly today about those who want to retreat to a common I am a passionate pro-European. position is really unique”. Others have national interest is best served when have secured an American climb-down opportunity to win converts to our side European Parliament today. this debate, the reasons for it and how market and those who believe in Europe I always have been. My first vote was had to escape from the terrible traumas Europe as a whole does well. in the steel dispute as anything other provided we can convince them that we to resolve it. In every crisis there is as a political project. in 1975 in the British referendum on of their own history. Understandably, than an active member of a coherent are committed to a successful Europe. With your permission, I will come back an opportunity. There is one here for membership and I voted yes. In 1983, we do not feel the need to do that. But There is a relationship between our and weighty trading bloc. First, though, we need to convince after each European Council during Europe now, if we have the courage This is not just a misrepresentation. when I was the last candidate in the we should not be trapped by our history effectiveness in Europe and the domestic ourselves. And that will only happen the UK Presidency and report to you. to take it. It is to intimidate those who want UK to be selected shortly before that in a cocoon of claustrophobic self-regard. debate on Europe. We are more likely The second thing we need to do is to if we strip away some of the falsehoods In addition, I would be happy to consult change in Europe by representing election and when my party had a policy We cannot live happily ever after within to be able to persuade other European understand ourselves, and to explain to that definitions of nationhood the Parliament before each Council, so The debate over Europe should not be the desire for change as betrayal of of withdrawing from Europe, I told the the covers of Arthur Bryant’s History Member States to support us in securing a doubtless surprised electorate, that we everywhere require. We should see as to have the benefit of the views of the conducted by trading insults or in terms the European ideal, to try to shut off selection conference that I disagreed of Britain. our own aims if we can convince public have been a great deal more successful ourselves as we really are. That way we European Parliament before Council of personality. It should be an open and serious debate about Europe’s future with the policy. Some thought I had lost opinion in the United Kingdom that a in Europe than we allow ourselves have the chance to be more than we will deliberations. frank exchange of ideas. And right at the by claiming that the very insistence on the selection. Some perhaps wish I had. My intention this evening is, principally, whole-hearted commitment by Britain to believe. There is a surprising self- otherwise become. outset I want to describe clearly how I debate is to embrace the anti-Europe. I then helped change our policy in the to be descriptive rather than prescriptive. in Europe’s institutions is in our best contempt about our record in Europe, This is a timely address. Whatever else define the debate and the disagreement 1980’s and was proud of that change. But I am not averse to a bit of didactic interests. The suspicion that we are and a blindness to the problems that The text of the lecture has been slightly people disagree upon in Europe today, underlying it. It is a mindset I have fought against all counselling. So how do I think any somehow semi-detached from Europe, everyone else faces. We seem to see every shortened for reasons of space. they at least agree on one point: Europe my political life. Ideals survive through Since being Prime Minister I signed Prime Minister of Britain, well-disposed that we are ambivalent about its success, meeting as another battle that we are is in the midst of a profound debate The issue is not between a “free market” change. They die through inertia in the the Social Chapter, helped, along as Mr Blair is and Mr Major was to that to quote Joschka Fischler we do not doomed to lose to the wily foreigners. about its future. Europe and a social Europe, between face of challenge. with France, to create the modern4 22 | Britain and Europe in 10 speeches 23

European Defence Policy, have played All institutions must do it. And we can. “It is time to give ourselves a reality check. To receive not one that 10 years from now is still how we can make Europe’s influence and those that have to be confronted my part in the Amsterdam, the Nice, But only if we remarry the European spending 40 per cent of its money count. When the European Union and overcome. This is such a moment then the Rome Treaties. ideals we believe in with the modern the wake-up call. The people are blowing the trumpets on the CAP. agreed recently a doubling of aid to of decision for Europe. world we live in. round the city walls. Are we listening? Have we the Africa, it was an immediate boost not This is a union of values, of solidarity Thirdly, implement the Lisbon Agenda. just for that troubled continent, but for The people of Europe are speaking between nations and people, of not just If Europe defaulted to Euro scepticism, political will to go out and meet them so that they On jobs, labour market participation, European cooperation. We are world to us. They are posing the questions. a common market in which we trade or if European nations faced with regard our leadership as part of the solution not school leavers, lifelong learning, we leaders in development and proud of They are wanting our leadership. but a common political space in which this immense challenge, decide to are making progress that nowhere near it. We should be leading the way on It is time we gave it to them. we live as citizens. huddle together, hoping we can avoid the problem?” matches the precise targets we set out promoting a new multi-lateral trade globalisation, shrink away from at Lisbon. That Agenda told us what agreement which will increase trade It always will be. confronting the changes around us, their economy but their society changing contributor to the EU, having in this to do. Let us do it. for all, especially the poorest nations. take refuge in the present policies of around them. Traditional communities perspective paid billions more than We are leading the debate on climate I believe in Europe as a political project. Europe as if by constantly repeating are broken up, ethnic patterns change, similar sized countries. Fourth, and here I tread carefully, get a change and developing pan-European I believe in Europe with a strong and them, we would by the very act of family life is under strain as families macroeconomic framework for Europe policies to tackle it. Thanks to Xavier caring social dimension. I would never repetition make them more relevant, struggle to balance work and home. So, that is the context. What would that is disciplined but also flexible. It is Solana, Europe has started to make accept a Europe that was simply an then we risk failure. Failure on a grand, a different policy agenda for Europe not for me to comment on the Eurozone. its presence felt in the MEPP. But my economic market. strategic, scale. This is not a time We are living through an era of profound look like? I just say this: if we agreed real progress point is very simple. A strong Europe to accuse those who want Europe to upheaval and change. Look at our on economic reform, if we demonstrated would be an active player in foreign To say that is the issue is to escape change of betraying Europe. It is a children and the technology they use First, it would modernise our social real seriousness on structural change, policy, a good partner of course to the the real debate and hide in the comfort time to recognise that only by change and the jobs market they face. The model. Again some have suggested I then people would perceive reform of US but also capable of demonstrating zone of the things we have always said will Europe recover its strength, its world is unrecognisable from that want to abandon Europe’s social model. macro policy as sensible and rational, its own capacity to shape and move the to each other in times of difficulty. relevance, its idealism and therefore we experienced as students 20, 30 But tell me: what type of social model is not a product of fiscal laxity but of world forward. its support amongst the people. years ago. When such change occurs, it that has 20m unemployed in Europe, commonsense. And we need such There is not some division between moderate people must give leadership. productivity rates falling behind those reform urgently if Europe is to grow. Such a Europe - its economy in the the Europe necessary to succeed And as ever the people are ahead of the If they don’t, the extremes gain traction of the USA; that is allowing more science process of being modernised, its economically and social Europe. politicians. We always think as a political on the political process. It happens graduates to be produced by India than After the economic and social challenges, security enhanced by clear action Political Europe and economic class that people, unconcerned with within a nation. It is happening in by Europe; and that, on any relative then let us confront another set of linked within our borders and beyond - would Europe do not live in separate rooms. the daily obsession of politics, may not Europe now. index of a modern economy - skills, issues - crime, security and immigration. be a confident Europe. It would be understand it, may not see its subtleties R&D, patents, IT, is going down not a Europe confident enough to see The purpose of social Europe and and its complexities. But, ultimately, Just reflect. The Laeken Declaration up. India will expand its biotechnology Crime is now crossing borders more enlargement not as a threat, as if economic Europe should be to sustain people always see politics more clearly which launched the Constitution was sector fivefold in the next five years. easily than ever before. Organised membership were a zero sum game each other. than us. Precisely because they are not designed “to bring Europe closer to China has trebled its spending on R&D crime costs the UK at least £20bn in which old members lose as new daily obsessed with it. the people”. Did it? The Lisbon agenda in the last five. annually. members gain, but an extraordinary, The purpose of political Europe was launched in the year 2000 with the historic opportunity to build a greater should be to promote the democratic The issue is not about the idea of ambition of making Europe “the most Of the top 20 universities in the world Migration has doubled in the past and more powerful union. Because and effective institutions to develop the European Union. It is about competitive place to do business in the today, only two are now in Europe. 20 years. Much of the migration is be under no illusion: if we stop policy in these two spheres and across modernisation. It is about policy. world by 2010”. We are half way through healthy and welcome. But it must enlargement or shut out its natural the board where we want and need It is not a debate about how to abandon that period. Has it succeeded? The purpose of our social model should be managed. Illegal immigration consequences, it wouldn’t, in the to cooperate in our mutual interest. Europe but how to make it do what be to enhance our ability to compete, to is an issue for all our nations, and a end, save one job, keep one firm in it was set up to do: improve the lives I have sat through Council Conclusions help our people cope with globalisation, human tragedy for many thousands business, prevent one delocalisation. But the purpose of political leadership is of people. And right now, they aren’t after Council Conclusions describing to let them embrace its opportunities of people. It is estimated that 70 per For a time, but not for long. And in the to get the policies right for today’s world. convinced. Consider this. how we are “reconnecting Europe to and avoid its dangers. Of course we need cent of illegal immigrants have their meantime Europe will become more the people”. Are we? a social Europe. But it must be a social passage facilitated by organised crime narrow, more introspective and those For 50 years Europe’s leaders have For four years Europe conducted a debate Europe that works. groups. Then there is the repugnant who garner support will be those not done that. We talk of crisis. Let us first over our new Constitution, two years It is time to give ourselves a reality check. practice of human trafficking whereby in the traditions of European idealism talk of achievement. When the war of it in the Convention. It was a detailed To receive the wake-up call. The people And we’ve been told how to do it. organised gangs move people from one but in those of outdated nationalism ended, Europe was in ruins. Today the and careful piece of work setting out the are blowing the trumpets round the city The Kok report in 2004 shows the region to another with the intention and xenophobia. But I tell you in all EU stands as a monument to political new rules to govern a Europe of 25 and walls. Are we listening? Have we the way. Investment in knowledge, in skills, of exploiting them when they arrive. frankness: it is a contradiction to achievement. Almost 50 years of peace, in time 27, 28 and more member states. political will to go out and meet them so in active labour market policies, in Between 600,000 and 800,000 people be in favour of liberalising Europe’s 50 years of prosperity, 50 years of It was endorsed by all Governments. It that they regard our leadership as part science parks and innovation, in higher are trafficked globally each year. Every membership but against opening up progress. Think of it and be grateful. was supported by all leaders. It was then of the solution not the problem? education, in urban regeneration, year over 100,000 women are victims its economy. comprehensively rejected in referendums in help for small businesses. This is of trafficking in the European Union. The broad sweep of history is on the side in two founding Member States, in the That is the context in which the modern social policy, not regulation If we set out that clear direction; if we of the EU. Countries round the world case of the Netherlands by over 60 per Budget debate should be set. People say: and job protection that may save some Again, a relevant JHA agenda would then combined it with the Commission - are coming together because in collective cent. The reality is that in most Member we need the Budget to restore Europe’s jobs for a time at the expense of many focus on these issues: implementing the as this one under José Manuel Barroso’s cooperation they increase individual States it would be hard today to secure credibility. Of course we do. But it jobs in the future. EU action plan on counter-terrorism leadership is fully capable of doing - strength. Until the second half of the 20th a ‘yes’ for it in a referendum. should be the right Budget. It shouldn’t which has huge potential to improve that is prepared to send back some of Century, for centuries European nations be abstracted from the debate about And since this is a day for demolishing law enforcement as well as addressing the unnecessary regulation, peel back individually had dominated the world, There are two possible explanations. Europe’s crisis. It should be part of caricatures, let me demolish one other: the radicalisation and recruitment of some of the bureaucracy and become a colonised large parts of it, fought wars One is that people studied the Constitution the answer to it. the idea that Britain is in the grip of terrorists; cross-border intelligence and champion of a global, outward-looking, against each other for world supremacy. and disagreed with its precise articles. some extreme Anglo-Saxon market policing on organised crime; developing competitive Europe, then it will not be I doubt that was the basis of the majority I want to say a word about last Friday’s philosophy that tramples on the poor proposals to hit the people and drug hard to capture the imagination and Out of the carnage of the Second World ‘no’. This was not an issue of bad drafting Summit. There have been suggestions and disadvantaged. The present British traffickers hard, in opening up their support of the people of Europe. War, political leaders had the vision to or specific textual disagreement. that I was not willing to compromise Government has introduced the new bank accounts, harassing their activities, realise those days were gone. Today’s on the UK rebate; that I only raised deal for the unemployed, the largest jobs arresting their leading members and In our Presidency, we will try to take world does not diminish that vision. The other explanation is that the CAP reform at the last minute; that programme in Europe that has seen bringing them to justice; getting returns forward the Budget deal; to resolve It demonstrates its prescience. The USA Constitution became merely the vehicle I expected to renegotiate the CAP long-term youth unemployment virtually agreements for failed asylum seekers and some of the hard dossiers, like the is the world’s only super power. But for the people to register a wider and on Friday night. In fact I am the only abolished. It has increased investment in illegal immigrants from neighbouring Services Directive and Working Time China and India in a few decades will deeper discontent with the state of British leader that has ever said I would our public services more than any other countries and others; developing Directive; to carry out the Union’s be the world’s largest economies, each affairs in Europe. I believe this to put the rebate on the table. I never European country in the past five years. biometric technology to make Europe’s obligations to those like Turkey and of them with populations three times be the correct analysis. said we should end the CAP now or We needed to, it is true, but we did it. We borders secure. Croatia that wait in hope of a future that of the whole of the EU. The idea renegotiate it overnight. Such a position have introduced Britain’s first minimum as part of Europe; and to conduct this of Europe, united and working together, If so, it is not a crisis of political would be absurd. Any change must wage. We have regenerated our cities. Then there is the whole area of CFSP. debate about the future of Europe in is essential for our nations to be strong institutions, it is a crisis of political take account of the legitimate needs of We have lifted almost one million We should be agreeing practical an open, inclusive way, giving our own enough to keep our place in this world. leadership. People in Europe are posing farming communities and happen over children out of poverty and two million measures to enhance European defence views strongly but fully respectful of hard questions to us. They worry about time. I have said simply two things: pensioners out of acute hardship and are capability, be prepared to take on the views of others. Now, almost 50 years on, we have globalisation, job security, about pensions that we cannot agree a new financial embarked on the most radical expansion more missions of peacekeeping and to renew. There is no shame in that. and living standards. They see not just perspective that does not at least set out of childcare, maternity and paternity enforcement, develop the capability, Only one thing I ask: don’t let us kid a process that leads to a more rational rights in our country’s history. It is just with NATO or where NATO does not ourselves that this debate is unnecessary; “And as ever the people are ahead of the politicians. Budget; and that this must allow such a that we have done it on the basis of and want to be engaged outside it, to be able that if only we assume ‘business as Budget to shape the second half of that not at the expense of a strong economy. to intervene quickly and effectively in usual’, people will sooner or later relent We always think as a political class that people, perspective up to 2013. Otherwise it will Secondly, let the Budget reflect these support of conflict resolution. Look at and acquiesce in Europe as it is, not unconcerned with the daily obsession of politics, be 2014 before any fundamental change realities. Again the Sapir report shows the numbers in European armies today as they want it to be. In my time as is agreed, let alone implemented. Again, the way. Published by the European and our expenditure. Do they really Prime Minister, I have found that the may not understand it, may not see its subtleties and in the meantime, of course Britain Commission in 2003, it sets out in clear answer the strategic needs of today? hard part is not taking the decision, it its complexities. But, ultimately, people always see will pay its fair share of enlargement. detail what a modern European Budget Such a defence policy is a necessary is spotting when it has to be taken. It is I might point out that on any basis we would look like. Put it into practice. part of an effective foreign policy. But understanding the difference between politics more clearly than us.” would remain the second highest net But a modern Budget for Europe is even without it, we should be seeing the challenges that have to be managed Europe House, 32 Smith Square, London SW1P 3EU