I want the European Union to be a success. And I want a relationship between Britain and the EU that keeps us in it.

Now I know which came first - the chicken not the egg.

The world economy is more stable than for a generation ... Our hugely sophisticated financial markets match funds with ideas better than ever before.

It [European Union] has kept the peace in Europe. Countries used to fight and now they talk. We should be attached to that.

Competitiveness demands flexibility, choice and openness - or Europe will fetch up in a no-man's land between the rising economies of Asia and market-driven North America.

It is vital that we get these policies right as we take forward our plans to drive down the deficit and transform our economy.

Because with courage and conviction I believe we can deliver a more flexible, adaptable and open European Union in which the interests and ambitions of all its members can be met.