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David Cameron's EU Speech

Prime Minister David Cameron's speech on the future of the EU and the UK's relationship with it

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

The Prime Minister today set out his vision for Britain and its place in the European Union. Read the speech.

In a major speech given at Bloomberg, he explained that three major challenges exist for the EU:

  • problems in the Eurozone which lacks the right governance and structures
  • a crisis of European competitiveness as other nations in the world soar ahead
  • a gap between the EU and its citizens which represents a lack of democratic accountability that is felt acutely in Britain

‘Fundamental, far reaching change’ is needed, explained the Prime Minister - built on principles of competitiveness, flexibility, power flowing back to member states, democratic accountability and fairness.

He concluding by telling the audience gathered in central London:

With courage and conviction I believe we can deliver a more flexible, adaptable and open European Union in which the interests and ambitions of all its members can be met.

With courage and conviction I believe we can achieve a new settlement in which Britain can be comfortable and all our countries can thrive.

[…] Because I believe something very deeply. That Britain’s national interest is best served in a flexible, adaptable and open European Union and that such a European Union is best with Britain in it.

Published 23 January 2013