Menzies Campbell speech on Britain's relationship with Europe and the US

2.58.45pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 14th Dec 2006

In his first major speech on Europe since becoming Liberal Democrat Leader, Menzies Campbell accused both Labour and the Conservatives of stifling the debate regarding our relationship with Europe.

He emphasised that British interests and British priorities are best served by a government that seeks to maximise our influence within the European Union.

Menzies Campbell said "We can more effectively lead the way from within Europe than we can on our own, whether in carrying weight in the wider world or in influencing our ally, the US."

Commenting on the relationship with the United States he said "Britain should distinguish its own foreign policy from that of the United States. It should rediscover its independence of thought. We should all value our relationship with the United States. But the relationship needs to be rebalanced, redesigned and renewed. Today, Britain's foreign policy lacks credibility and influence. Number 10 has found proximity to the White House flattering. But we have allowed ourselves to get too close. We have flown too close to The Sun."

Menzies Campbell talked of the need to rejuvenate and create a dynamic Europe in which Britain plays an effective role. He said "Europe should take a greater role in promoting its values through its Common Foreign and Security Policy, with the full and active participation of the UK. The EU would better reflect its peoples' priorities if it stuck to legislating only when necessary. We need a Powers Audit of the European Union. And that Audit should take place on the basis of a simple principle: only where issues are most effectively addressed by collective action, should the EU act."