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European Council, 16–17 June

My Lords, I agree with my noble friend Lord Lea about the importance of the social dimension in Europe. I also agree that we will need to continue discussions so that the different interests of individual nations within the European Union are taken account of in our discussions about the best way to move collectively. The CAP costs around 1,000 euros a year for the average family of four. The need for reform is clear. Our view about the reform process is that we need to protect the British position while at the same time recognising that it is for the benefit of Europe as a whole that we are pushing this wider reform agenda.