I know that the United Kingdom is sometimes seen as an argumentative and rather strong-minded member of the family of European nations. And it's true that our geography has shaped our psychology. We have the character of an island nation - independent, forthright, passionate in defence of our sovereignty.

What Churchill described as the twin marauders of war and tyranny have been almost entirely banished from our continent. Today, hundreds of millions dwell in freedom, from the Baltic to the Adriatic, from the Western Approaches to the Aegean.

It is nonsense that people shopping online in some parts of Europe are unable to access the best deals because of where they live. I want completing the single market to be our driving mission.

When people's love is divided by law, it is the law that needs to change.

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

Britain is characterized not just by its independence but, above all, by its openness.

Today the main, over-riding purpose of the European Union is different: not to win peace, but to secure prosperity.