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Proceeding contribution from Mike Gapes (Labour) in the House of Commons on Thursday, 26 January 2012. It occurred during Topical debate and Backbench debate on European Council.


European Council

More than half our trade is with the European Union. Our companies, and the future of the City of London and its relationship with the eurozone economy, are greatly affected by what happens in Europe. Those who want to move out to the middle of the Atlantic or who believe that somehow we can reinvigorate the Commonwealth and go back to imperial preference, are not living in the real world for the British economy. Our national interest is to have prosperity and success. As the Chancellor of the Exchequer has made clear, it is in Britain's national interest for the eurozone to succeed and for the current crisis to be resolved. Clearly, Conservative Members do not agree with the Chancellor' words. They wish to see the eurozone fail—[Hon. Members: ““Rubbish!””] Well, the hon. Member for Gainsborough (Mr Leigh) seemed to say that. If he disagrees, he can intervene again. They want to see the eurozone fail because they believe that somehow that will be in the national interest of this country. It will not.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
539 c435 
Session
2010-12
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
EU countries Economic situation Economic and monetary union UK membership of EU European Council
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk