If the discussion centres on the essential principle of the E.U., the free movement of people and the ability to make decisions together, in that case, we don't want treaty change.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
There is nothing more likely to start disagreement among people or countries than an agreement.
The E.U. is founded on the Treaties which apply only to the Member States who have agreed and ratified them.
Having led many negotiations with countries outside the E.U. in the past, we would never enter the same compromises and reach the same good outcomes with states that don't shoulder the responsibilities and costs of the common market.
We have always been prepared to negotiate with the U.S. government everything that has to do with bilateral relations, on a basis of the strictest mutual respect for the sovereign rights of each country. We will never try to ask the government of the United States to change its economic and political system.
Unless both sides win, no agreement can be permanent.
Nations keep agreements, keep their treaties so long as they continue to do them good.
The U.N. can meet and discuss, but we don't need their permission.
Countries are different. They make different choices. We cannot harmonise everything.
We've managed to find a way of making decisions that prevents conflict arising - there has been no war between European members at any point in the last 70 years.
I have specifically argued that we need to change our relationship with the European Union by fundamentally reforming not just our relationship but the European Union itself.