Intergovernmental Conference

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 4:27 pm on 21 March 1996.

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Photo of Malcolm Rifkind Malcolm Rifkind Foreign Secretary 4:27, 21 March 1996

It certainly means that we must listen courteously to the views of others. It means that we must recognise that they are not enemies but partners, and that we must make a genuine and constructive effort to reach agreement.

My hon. Friend will acknowledge, however, that for each nation—not just the United Kingdom—there will be sticking points. There will be positions that are arrived at not simply out of a desire to be obstructive or out of bloody-mindedness, but because they reflect an honest perception of what the national interest of each country requires. When Britain—or, for that matter, any other country—identifies such a position, it is right and proper for it to be as firm as possible in ensuring that that position is respected.