In 1946 at Zurich, Winston Churchill made a famous speech. He spoke of Europe, where two world wars had marred the prospects of the whole human race. “Yet all the while there is a remedy,” he said. “It is to re-unite the European family and provide it with a structure under which it can dwell in peace, in safety, and in freedom.” As always, his vision looked to the broad and bright horizons, and it was more than ten years after that speech before the European Community was founded. Many more were to pass before we in Britain became a member.
As with almost anything new and untried, there were doubts and misgivings. Understandably. But today the structure Churchill foreshadowed nearly forty years ago not only endures, it grows stronger. We all know there is still much to be done to improve it, and much to be changed. But let us not forget what has already been accomplished. If at the end of the Second World War, we could have lifted the veil of the future, and shown those who fought each other in war what a free Europe could achieve in 40 years of peace, they would scarcely have believed it. Let us then take pride in this achievement, and that today we in Britain are in Europe—by history, by geography, by choice.
Two years ago, when the Falklands were invaded, our European friends were not slow to stand up and be counted. We remember the swift support they gave us and the trade sanctions they imposed on the aggressor. But if we need Europe, Europe equally needs Britain. For no country has done more for Europe over the years than Britain.
Oh yes, there are still problems between us and we've got to sort them out. Our contributions to Community funds for instance. They've been out of all proportion to our national income. By fighting Britain's corner, this Conservative Government has already won back for Britain refunds of over £2000 million. And they've been paid. [end p1]
But these budget battles have had to be fought almost every year. That's no way to do things among friends. We must have a long term arrangement—a fair deal. That's all we're asking for. It's reasonable, it makes sense, and I think our partners know it. And when those problems are happily solved, we can turn our thoughts to what Europe can do to help the next generation.
A Europe whose peoples founded the new world, and which sent its laws, its love of liberty and its democratic ideals to enrich the lives of many nations—this Europe has a message for the future. A message which keeps firm our friendship with the English speaking peoples across the world, but which builds bridges to the other Europe, beyond the Iron Curtain. In this election for the European Parliament, our main political opponents don't even believe in the European Community. Our other opponents believe in Europe, but are prepared to weaken Britain, for example, undermining our power of veto.
Both opponents are wrong. We Conservatives believe not in submerging Britain in some artificial United States of Europe, but in keeping our distinctive character as a nation state, ever present to protect our interests and guard our freedoms. Europe has more than once had need of such a Britain.
Thursday's elections will decide the political pattern of the European Parliament for the next five years. These elections are about Britain in the European Community. I believe the Conservatives have got the balance right. Right for Britain, right for Europe, right for the future.
If you feel the same way about Britain in Europe, and that is the issue—and it is a very important one—then on Thursday, go out and vote Conservative.