The very issue underlying today's debate in relation to the future of the European Union relates to what kind of Europe we want to construct at the 1996 Intergovernmental Conference in terms of its extent and its objectives.

Inevitably, for reasons of external solidarity and stability, the geographical extent of the Union will increase. This will add greatly to the Union's economic, social and political diversity and makes a debate on a multi-speed Europe inescapable.

To focus that debate we must concentrate on the characteristics of the Union we wish to construct. For me the sine qua non must include openness, inclusiveness, internal and external solidarity, transparency, democracy and subsidiarity.

Achieving these ends rules some options out. An exclusive, self-selecting, premier division group of hard-core states is totally hostile to the concepts of openness and solidarity, and is a proposition which I will fight and resist vigorously to the extent it is promoted.

Equally, it cannot be open to those least committed to the Union to place a block on the road of necessary progress serving only their own ends.

I will support the resolution.