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European Council: 14 December 2007

My Lords, whereas it may be the case that this country has always gone forward crabwise in the matter of European integration, is it not important to note that even at this Council meeting, something that has not been noted is the hugely important role of the EU, and discussions within the EU, on financial stability? In the Prime Minister’s Statement, not only do we show the strengths of the EU—and if I may even dare to say, of the European Central Bank, in the facilities brought forward in the past few weeks—but also that the Prime Minister is working very closely with Chancellor Merkel and President Sarkozy on these questions. One cannot always get 10 out of 10 for every meeting that one goes to, but these are very substantial matters where progress is being made.