Couched on the value of our European connections. Much has also been made of our "special relationship" with the USA. This is not the place to analyse that relationship. Suffice to say that it has blossomed over the last ten years and gives the UK a pivotal role in transatlantic relations. At the time of writing, we are in the throes of preparation for the third visit to this country by Mr Gorbachev. This fact speaks for itself. Mr Gorbachev is, in my
opinion, a man of pragmatism. He finds he can do business with the
UK.
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9. Let me move on from our current and historical assets to the use
we are making of them. I shall begin closest to home in Europe. Membership of the European Community is central to this Government's concept of Britain's role in the world. We are moving into an age where states increasingly tend to pool their resources and influence, recognising that this will best serve their and the world's interests. In this respect, the European Community is leading the way. As part of the Community, the UK has continued to fight the causes of common sense and freedom.
10.
Given the economic character of much of what the Twelve do together, it is primarily in the economic and financial spheres that I would look for evidence of British common sense prevailing. We
have pressed for sensible reform of the budget, for proper control of Community expenditure, particularly on the Common Agricultural Policy. We have suceeded. During the UK Presidency in 1986, a package of measures was adopted in the dairy sector which were a triumph of common sense. We continue to work on reshaping the CAP. Even more striking was the achievement, at the Brussels Summit last year, of a binding legal constraint on the growth of agricultural
spending.
11.
We should not be complacent. There remains a lot to be done.
But these are real achievements.
12. Talk of Europe at the moment inevitably and rightly becomes
talk of 1992 and opening up the Single Market. The UK has consistently argued for the creation of a Single Market. delighted that it is top of the Community's agenda. It represents a
I am
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