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Controversial proposals, once accepted, soon become hallowed.

There is always a temptation for governments: see a problem and announce a quick fix.

With these kinds of proposals, the devil is in the details. We're going to examine this realignment closely. We will fight any measure that compromises our needs - now or in the future.

Governments must give to all those who have hit life's hurdles the chance to rebuild and have a future.

For years governments have been promising more than they can deliver, and delivering more than they can afford.

Now, I cannot approve anything the council has rejected, but I can reject anything the council has approved.

Government proposes, bureaucracy disposes. And the bureaucracy must dispose of government proposals by dumping them on us.

I will not give way because too many previous governments have backed down.

Let us not bankrupt our todays by paying interest on the regrets of yesterday and by borrowing in advance the troubles of tomorrow.

If the constitutional treaty is rejected it will be back to square one, just at a time when we want Europe to be a more effective force for good in the world, when we need to buttress ourselves against the pressures and insecurities of globalization.