Making the EU a leader on the world stage
26 Oct 2009
The Foreign Secretary argued that a strong Britain in a strong Europe is the best way to preserve and advance our values and interests in the modern world.
In preparation for the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty, David Miliband delivered a speech on the EU's role as a global actor and the benefits for the UK of a strong EU foreign policy.
Speaking in London at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), Foreign Secretary David Miliband made the case that it is in Britain's national interest for the EU to be a leader on the world stage.
'My case today is simple. It is that it is very strongly in the British national interest for the EU to develop a strong foreign policy; that to be frightened of European foreign policy is blinkered, fatalistic and wrong; that Britain should embrace it, shape it and lead it; and the passage of the Lisbon Treaty means Europe will have no excuses for failing to develop clear strategic priorities for its role in the world. A strong Britain in a strong Europe is the best way to preserve and advance our values and interests in the modern world.'
He concluded his speech saying:
'For 60 years Europe, with Britain eventually playing its part, has developed a distinctive, successful model of social market economies and liberal politics. Now we are challenged to be a global player. It is, therefore, a choice that no responsible British Government can afford to shirk.'
David Miliband's argument is also echoed in an article he wrote for The Times on Monday 26 October 'Britain is still a big player. Europe needs us' in which he said Britain's role in the EU magnifies the power of our ideas and strengthens our clout in Washington, Beijing and Moscow.
He said we should embrace the internationalism of the modern world, with its new powers and new threats.
Further information
Europe: past, present and future
