BY. EU, GOV. UK.ROYAL PRESS Henning Okholm . PHOTO: ROYAL PRESS ZHONG MIN PENG©)
PM’s statement at press conference in Copenhagen: 5 February 2016
From:Prime Minister’s Office, David Cameron MP Delivered on: 5 February 2016 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered) Location:Copenhagen First published: 5 February 2016
The Prime Minister made a statement today following talks with Danish Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen in Copenhagen.
David Cameron MP
Thank you very much Lars, it’s very good to be here in Copenhagen today with you. We have a very good relationship.
Our discussions have focussed on 3 issues: on our bilateral relations, on EU reform, and on the migration crisis.
And I just want to say a few words on each.
Bilateral relationship
Our bilateral relationship is particularly close. We are firm NATO allies – indeed HMS Ramsey is taking part in a NATO exercise here right now.
We also co-operate closely on counter-terrorism and in the fight against Daesh.
And I saw for myself the bravery of Danish soldiers as our 2 countries served alongside each other in very close quarters in Afghanistan.
Trade in both directions between our 2 countries is worth £6 billion a year. And over 600,000 Brits visit Denmark annually.
We work very closely together in the EU. And again, as you’ve just heard with a similar outlook. We share a lot in common. Proud nations. But outward-looking.
EU reform
On EU reform, as you know, I’m working hard to secure reform in 4 areas – economic governance, sovereignty, competitiveness and welfare.
And on welfare, let me explain why the British people have concerns and what I’m trying to fix.
I support the principle of free movement and I greatly value the contribution that many make when they come to Britain.
But the challenge we’ve identified is the scale of movement we’ve seen from across Europe to Britain over the last decade and the pressure that has put on public services.
Now these are problems that we can share.
For example, I know as we’ve just heard that in Denmark you have concerns about paying child benefit for children not living here.
And that’s why the reforms I’m seeking can benefit other countries too.
I’ve now secured a commitment from the commission to address this.
So the text the Council has put forward shows real progress in all 4 areas, including on protecting the legitimate interests of non-euro member states, which of course is so important to Denmark too.
Now as Lars has just said, this deal must be legally binding. The Danish model – negotiated in 1992 – has set a powerful precedent for that. As the Prime Minister has just said, over 20 years later, it still stands.
But as I’ve said, there is still important detail to be nailed down if we’re to get a deal in February.
And that’s why the hard work continues.
Migration crisis
We’ve also discussed the Syria donors conference that I hosted yesterday with others in London.
And I want to thank your Prime Minister and the Danish people for the very generous pledge that you made.
I’m proud to say we brought together world leaders, we raised records funds and identified crucial long-term assistance through the creation of jobs and crucially the provision of school places for refugee children.
This will give those in desperate need real hope for the future. But this should only be the beginning.
The more we do to create the opportunity for people to stay in the region, the less likely we are to see them making the treacherous journey to Europe. A journey that has sadly resulted in so many deaths.
So we’ve had good discussions here today and I
Martin Schultz at a press conference following his speech
Martin Schulz stressed the importance of cooperation and solidarity in his last speech as Parliament President at a European Council meeting. Addressing heads of government at the summit in Brussels, he called on them to make progress on issues such as defence, migration and Russia. “You all agreed that you need the EU, that the EU is the only means to tackle the challenges we are facing in this century. This spirit should never be forgotten and should guide your actions over the years to come.”
On 24 June 2016, President Schulz, President Tusk and Prime Minister Rutte met this morning in Brussels upon the invitation of European Commission President Juncker. They discussed the outcome of the United Kingdom referendum and made the following joint statement:
“In a free and democratic process, the British people have expressed their wish to leave the European Union. We regret this decision but respect it.
This is an unprecedented situation but we are united in our response. We will stand strong and uphold the EU’s core values of promoting peace and the well-being of its peoples. The Union of 27 Member States will continue. The Union is the framework of our common political future. We are bound together by history, geography and common interests and will develop our cooperation on this basis. Together we will address our common challenges to generate growth, increase prosperity and ensure a safe and secure environment for our citizens. The institutions will play their full role in this endeavour.
We now expect the United Kingdom government to give effect to this decision of the British people as soon as possible, however painful that process may be. Any delay would unnecessarily prolong uncertainty. We have rules to deal with this in an orderly way. Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union sets out the procedure to be followed if a Member State decides to leave the European Union. We stand ready to launch negotiations swiftly with the United Kingdom regarding the terms and conditions of its withdrawal from the European Union. Until this process of negotiations is over, the United Kingdom remains a member of the European Union, with all the rights and obligations that derive from this. According to the Treaties which the United Kingdom has ratified, EU law continues to apply to the full to and in the United Kingdom until it is no longer a Member.
As agreed, the “New Settlement for the United Kingdom within the European Union”, reached at the European Council on 18-19 February 2016, will now not take effect and ceases to exist. There will be no renegotiation.
As regards the United Kingdom, we hope to have it as a close partner of the European Union in the future. We expect the United Kingdom to formulate its proposals in this respect. Any agreement, which will be concluded with the United Kingdom as a third country, will have to reflect the interests of both sides and be balanced in terms of rights and obligations.”
Pictures Description
1.The Prime Minister made a statement today following talks with Danish Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen in Copenhagen.
5 February 2016.PHOTO. RP ZHONG MIN PENG©
- David Cameron MP,Thank you very much Lars, We have a very good relationship, a very good friendship.PHOTO. RP ZHONG MIN PENG©
3.Martin Schultz at a press conference following his speech
“You all agreed that you need the EU, that the EU is the only means to tackle the challenges we are facing in this century..”
PHOTO. RP ZHONG MIN PENG©
4.French President Francois Hollande said there should be no further changes to proposed reforms to keep Britain in the EU
PHOTO. RP ZHONG MIN PENG©
5.The proposals unveiled by European Council President Donald Tusk to avoid a ‘Brexit’ notably include a so-called “emergency brake” .PHOTO. RP ZHONG MIN PENG©
6.British Prime Minister David Cameron has said Tusk’s plans showed “real progress”..PHOTO. RP ZHONG MIN PENG©
7.Martin Schultz at a press conference following his speech
Martin Schulz stressed the importance of cooperation and solidarity in his last speech as Parliament President at a European Council meeting. PHOTO. RP ZHONG MIN PENG©
8..February 19, 2016. European Parliament President Martin Schulz was interviewed by the Danish royal press correspondent Peng Zhongmin & 2DF” in Brussels, Belgium
Martin said: “The European Parliament will do everything in its power to support the finalized rationalization bill.
Photo: Royal Press Peng Zhongmin ©
