I will not let this type of anti-European nonsense disturb the true national interest of our country. The idea that Britain should retreat to the margins of the EU, the key strategic alliance on our doorstep, is absolute and utter madness for our country. Conservative leader William Hague attacked the prime minister's stance, saying that Labour could not be trusted on defence. Senior commanders from the Falklands and Gulf wars were opposed to the move, he said. I would rather rely on their advice than the advice of Tony Blair and Robin Cook.
Every soldier knows the meaning of about-turn.
And it is time for Tony Blair to do an about-turn before he does a lot of damage to Nato. Mr Hague made it clear that a future Conservative Government would pull British troops out of the new European force. His party would use the issue to attack Labour during the general election campaign, he added. Foreign Secretary Robin Cook echoed those views. What we are seeking to do is to compliment and not compete with the assets of Nato.