European Council

Part of Oral Answers to Questions — Defence – in the House of Commons at 4:17 pm on 26 November 2012.

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Photo of David Cameron David Cameron The Prime Minister, Leader of the Conservative Party 4:17, 26 November 2012

I think what matters is that we need to explain very clearly to our European partners that we are committed members of the European Union. We think the single market is vital for Britain’s national interest. We stand behind, and have helped to arrange, some of the key successes for the European Union in recent years, such as the oil embargo against Iran, the enlargement of the EU and the completion of the single market—those are all British initiatives. But I think it is perfectly acceptable to explain to partners in Europe that we are not satisfied with every aspect of our relationship —we are prepared to stand up and defend Britain’s national interest.