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Britain's relationship with the European Union

eu flag and union jack (Getty Images)Where do we stand on Europe?
Read on to find out about the British coalition Government's approach to the European Union.

'Active and activist' from the beginning
The British coalition Government will be a positive participant in the European Union. Foreign Secretary William Hague summed this up by saying that the British government would be ‘active and activist, positive and energetic’ from the beginning’

So what does this mean in practice?
It means that we’ll play a strong and positive role with our EU partners, with the goal of ensuring that all the nations of Europe are equipped to face the challenges of the 21st century, in particular, global competitiveness, global warming and global poverty.

Accountable to British people
It also means that the British Government wants to be accountable to British people for what it does on their behalf in the EU.

As William Hague mentioned when summing up his remarks during the European affairs debate, "We will play our role [in Europe]with enthusiasm while vigorously advancing our country’s interests."

This means we'll be firm in the defence of British interests. However, we don't believe there is a contradiction between championing the interests of the UK in the EU, and seeking to play a constructive role in making the EU work better.

So, we’ll be working together with the EU on trade, on the single market, on economic growth, delivering real benefits for Britain and British people.

More detail on our priorities
Our top priority will be to boost economic growth. Working with European partners we want to equip the EU to compete globally in the 21st century keeping people in employment and creating new employment.  First and foremost, that means promoting the single market and developing our trade links. 

Another important priority for us is helping Europe make the transition to a Low Carbon Economy. We seek to work with partners to speed up efforts to ensure a low carbon energy and transport infrastructure, and low carbon trade, thus establishing the EU as a global leader.   

You can read the Minister for Europe’s strategic overview on UK priorities during the Hungarian EU Presidency here.

The European Union Act 2011

Her Majesty The Queen announced in the Queen’s speech on 25 May 2010 that her Government would introduce legislation to ensure that in future, Parliament and the British people will have their say on any proposed transfer of powers from the UK to the European Union.

The European Union Act 2011 received Royal Assent on Tuesday 19 July 2011. You can read more about the European Union Act here.

   

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