What do UK and World leaders think about the EU?

	Vision and Achievements of the European Union What do UK and World leaders think about the EU?

	When the war ended, Europe was in ruins. Today the EU stands as a monument to political achievement. Almost 50 years of peace, 50 years of prosperity, 50 years of progress. Think of it and be grateful. The broad sweep of history is on the side of the EU. Countries round the world are coming together because in collective cooperation they increase individual strength. Rt. Hon Tony Blair MP, Prime Minister, Speech 23 June 2005.

	I believe that Britain has an enormous amount to gain through co-operation and free trade in Europe...I believe that the accession of Turkey to the EU, as well as bringing a huge and vibrant addition to the Single Market, constitutes the single biggest step that the EU could take towards increasing harmony between continental Europe and the Muslim world. Rt. Hon. David Cameron MP, Leader of the Conservative Party, Campaign for David Cameron website.

	The challenge for Europe now is that of global competition. Already European trade with the rest of the world has - in just 3 decades - risen 1,000 per cent, with foreign direct investment flows rising in just one decade by 400 per cent……. And the question for us is how Europe can move from the older inward-looking model to a flexible, reforming, open and globally-oriented Europe - able to master the economic challenge from Asia, America and beyond. Rt. Hon. Gordon Brown MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Speech 22 June 2005.

	We must consider how best to reinvigorate a union with which so many have now become disenchanted…The union is a globally unique alliance that has consistently spread democracy and stability, opportunity and human rights. And it has the potential to go further…The European Union has the potential for a pivotal role in world affairs. Sir Menzies Campbell, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Speech 19 September 2005 (when Shadow Foreign Secretary).

	I want to solve [the current problems] so that we can set about building the Community of the future. A Community striving for freer trade, breaking down the barriers in Europe and the world to the free flow of goods, capital and services; working together to make Europe the home of the industries of tomorrow; seizing the initiative on world problems, not reacting wearily to them; forging political links across the European divide and so creating a more hopeful relationship between East and West; using its influence as a vital area of stability and democracy to strengthen democracy across the world. Rt. Hon. Margaret Thatcher, Prime Minister 1979-90, Speech 8 March 1984.

	The European Union remains a unique and valuable achievement, central to the UK's prosperity and well-being. The world's largest single market has enabled the businesses and people of this country to earn new prosperity by trading freely across borders. European co-operation has broken down barriers to travel, work and leisure. And the EU remains a vital engine of peace, democracy and reform. Rt Hon Jack Straw MP, Foreign Secretary, Speech, 6 June 2005.

	From the business point of view, there is hardly any important policy area outside the control of Brussels. In order to benefit from its EU membership Britain should aim for a powerful presence at the European table. Sir Digby Jones, Director General, Confederation of British Industry, Speech 6 April 2005.

	There should be no doubt that my government and the United States wants the European project to succeed. It's in our interests that Europe be strong. It's in our interests that the European Union work out whatever differences there are and become a continued, viable, strong partner. It's in our interests for commercial reasons; we trade a lot. George Bush, President United States of America, Speech 22 February 2005.

	Our history is a history of shared values…It is a history that goes back to the end of World War II, when the United States was one of the strongest supporters of the idea of European integration and European unity, believing that if Europe could be unified around democratic values that the chances for war in what was, at that time, a war-torn Europe, would be diminished and, indeed, eliminated. And I think that this great European Commission and the European Union are a testament to the wisdom of that vision. Condoleezza Rice, US Secretary of State, Speech 9 February 2005.

	We must look within ourselves for a new consensus, and strive to regain the confidence of our citizens. But we must also look outwards, towards our global responsibilities and opportunities - in Africa and elsewhere. We must be a generous Europe, of values as well as markets. My Europe, the Europe I want to be part of, is big enough to do both these things. José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, Speech 23 June 2005.

	In Europe…a new chapter in the history of the continent was opened on the 1st of April last year. With the entry into force of the single market Europeans are aware of being part the same family and of sharing values which come form its recent and distant history. This is important, because the future cannot only be supported by the base of the market economy. We express the hope that, in settling secular conflicts, solidarity and a sense of community will be established. From now on, thanks to the Community structures …life will be more harmonious for a good part of Europe. Pope John Paul II, Speech 16 January 1993.