Menu
13/02/2004
'Live and let live' Howard seeks Tory ceasefire on Europe
The Tory leader Michael Howard has unveiled his "live and let live" strategy on Europe – a policy which, he said, will enable member states to co-operate more closely without sacrificing their national sovereignty.
During a speech to the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung in Berlin, the Conservative Leader outlined his vision of a more "modern and mature" approach to European policy development.
According to Mr Howard, issues such as tariffs and cross-border pollution could be left to Brussels but, individual member states should be able to decide whether to retain wholly national control or whether to co-operate with others.
"Every member state should be allowed to administer for itself those policies which do not directly and significantly affect the domestic affairs of other member states," he said.
"The nations of Europe should come together as a series of overlapping circles: different combinations of member states should be able to pool their responsibilities in different areas of their own choosing."
He denied that the policy would create a two-speed Europe – as nations sharing the same direction but not final destination.
He said: "I don't want to reach the destination that some of our partners may aspire to. But I don't want to block their aspiration."
Mr Howard said that individual countries negotiating specific opt-outs had caused "tremendous tension" – tensions which could be ironed out through an "enhanced co-operation formula".
"It would enable us to strike a new deal on Europe. Those member states wishing to integrate more closely would be free to do so. It would not be necessary for them to drag Britain and quite possibly some other member states kicking and screaming in their wake. And we would say to our partners: ‘We don't want to stop you doing what you want to do, as long as you don't make us do what we don't want to do'," he said.
(gmcg)
During a speech to the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung in Berlin, the Conservative Leader outlined his vision of a more "modern and mature" approach to European policy development.
According to Mr Howard, issues such as tariffs and cross-border pollution could be left to Brussels but, individual member states should be able to decide whether to retain wholly national control or whether to co-operate with others.
"Every member state should be allowed to administer for itself those policies which do not directly and significantly affect the domestic affairs of other member states," he said.
"The nations of Europe should come together as a series of overlapping circles: different combinations of member states should be able to pool their responsibilities in different areas of their own choosing."
He denied that the policy would create a two-speed Europe – as nations sharing the same direction but not final destination.
He said: "I don't want to reach the destination that some of our partners may aspire to. But I don't want to block their aspiration."
Mr Howard said that individual countries negotiating specific opt-outs had caused "tremendous tension" – tensions which could be ironed out through an "enhanced co-operation formula".
"It would enable us to strike a new deal on Europe. Those member states wishing to integrate more closely would be free to do so. It would not be necessary for them to drag Britain and quite possibly some other member states kicking and screaming in their wake. And we would say to our partners: ‘We don't want to stop you doing what you want to do, as long as you don't make us do what we don't want to do'," he said.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
31 August 2004
EU enlargement has not led to British businesses relocating: survey
The predicted relocation of British businesses to Eastern Europe following the expansion of the European Union has failed to materialise, according to the Institute of Directors (IoD).
EU enlargement has not led to British businesses relocating: survey
The predicted relocation of British businesses to Eastern Europe following the expansion of the European Union has failed to materialise, according to the Institute of Directors (IoD).
14 September 2011
Online Child Protection 'Insufficient' – EC
The European Commission has said member states are not doing enough to safe guard children online, in a report on Tuesday evening.
Online Child Protection 'Insufficient' – EC
The European Commission has said member states are not doing enough to safe guard children online, in a report on Tuesday evening.
31 March 2004
UK welcomes seven new countries to Nato alliance
The Foreign Office is hosting a reception today to welcome the accession of seven new member states to Nato. Ambassadors and defence attaches from the seven states - Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia – will attend the reception, along with UK parliamentarians and government and military officials.
UK welcomes seven new countries to Nato alliance
The Foreign Office is hosting a reception today to welcome the accession of seven new member states to Nato. Ambassadors and defence attaches from the seven states - Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia – will attend the reception, along with UK parliamentarians and government and military officials.
09 May 2003
US Senate vote clears way for NATO expansion
The United States Senate has voted unanimously to support NATO admission for seven central and eastern European nations. During a November summit held in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, NATO invited the seven former-communist nations – Estonia, Bulgaria, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia – to join the alliance.
US Senate vote clears way for NATO expansion
The United States Senate has voted unanimously to support NATO admission for seven central and eastern European nations. During a November summit held in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, NATO invited the seven former-communist nations – Estonia, Bulgaria, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia – to join the alliance.
17 June 2011
UK Lobby Against 'Socially Regressive' Maternity Proposals
Chris Grayling, Employment Minister, will visit Brussels today to continue the UK Government’s lobbying on the Pregnant Workers Directive. Mr. Grayling will attend a meeting of the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO) during which the Hungarian Presidency will give an update on the Directive. Mr.
UK Lobby Against 'Socially Regressive' Maternity Proposals
Chris Grayling, Employment Minister, will visit Brussels today to continue the UK Government’s lobbying on the Pregnant Workers Directive. Mr. Grayling will attend a meeting of the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO) during which the Hungarian Presidency will give an update on the Directive. Mr.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
