Speeches, etc.

Margaret Thatcher

Speech at Conservative European Candidates’ Conference

Document type: Speeches, interviews, etc.
Venue: Penta Hotel, Cromwell Road, London
Source: Thatcher Archive: speaking notes
Editorial comments: MT was due to speak at 1200. The Sunday Express (25 February 1979) has some material derived probably from a photo opportunity during a break in the Conference when MT posed, cue in hand, over a pool table. "I think Mr Callaghan will try to hang on until October. So we will be able to concentrate on winning the European elections on June 1". The speech itself was not reported and was probably delivered off the record.
Importance ranking: Major
Word count: 258
Themes: European elections, European Union (general), General Elections
Rough notes by MT. [? word] indicates uncertain word. p1

Congratulations. Conf. notable event. Selection—worst over.

Cons.—Knitting together. Local—Refs.—Gen.—European. Principles don't change. Freedom under law. Free Enterprise. Here & in Europe—criticise bureaucracy & abuse of power. Here & overseas—lowering barriers to expand trade. Friends in Europe who think like us.

Europe—Democracy—Genuine—30–35 120 —Influence through doing things together. —Practical [? consequences]—Trading agreements. p2

political aspect [? Russia] New [? tactics] Turkey Yugoslavia. [end p1]

Enlargement—Spain. Portugal. Greece.

Exclusive?—No.—N.A.T.O. —Defence Procurement.

Don't become bewitched with little things. —Directives—>Geoffrey. Article 100—Harmonisation. —not for the sake of it.

Don't duplicate in Brussels what can be adequately done by national govts. Only where Common interests Common policy

Campaign itself—Don't defend the indefensible. C.A.P. [? Prices]—Monetary—Surplus Distortions R.J. Fisheries. Budget → Props. p3

But Scope as well as problems. Opportunity for young. But no substitute for proper policies in Britain. 2nd.–7th. Co-operation—Socialism —Only work with the support of people we seek to serve.

Need for Conviction—Not consensus. Can make changes happen around us—not wait for things to happen.