15/11/2011

Change Brings Opportunities For 'We Sceptics' - PM

The Prime Minister has said the UK should take advantage of the difficulties in the Eurozone so it better serves Britain.

Speaking at the Lord Mayor Banquet on Monday night, David Cameron said the proposed changes that may come as a result of the ongoing economic crisis in the European Union brought "opportunities" to refashion the EU.

Describing himself and the diners as "we skeptics", in obvious reference to his faltering perception as a euro-skeptic after opposing a referendum on leaving the EU last month, Mr Cameron asked: "What kind of Europe do we actually want?"

"For me, the answer is clear. One that is outward-looking – with its eyes to the world not gazing inwards. One with the flexibility of a network, not the rigidity of a bloc – whose institutions help by connecting and strengthening its members to thrive in a vibrant world, rather than holding them back.

"One that understands and values national identity and sees the diversity of Europe’s nations as source of strength. That’s why Britain’s EU growth plan is focused – together with other allies – on promoting open markets, flexible economies and enterprise.

"And it’s why we must continue to work with the European Commission for the completion of the single market in services, the opening up of our energy markets and the scrapping of the bureaucracy that makes it so hard to start a new business."

The Prime minister said the ongoing struggles of keeping the union together presented an opportunity, in Britain’s case, for powers to "ebb back instead of flow away".

On Tuesday Morning, contagion from the euro zone debt crisis continues to spread on with premiums over safe-haven Germany hitting new highs while the Italian government faces borrowing costs topping "unsustainable" levels of 7%.

The worry of over the eurozone's future is growing by the day, while German Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democrats passed a non-binding resolution on Monday which will mean euro members can choose to leave the bloc if they are incapable of meeting its fiscal guidelines.

It is believed the motion could be the first step in unravelling the Euro single currency that has landed in crisis.

(DW)

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