With the Irish deciding "yes" the Lisbon Treaty is nearly in place. On
behalf of the Conservative Europe Group, I welcome this outcome.

The Lisbon Treaty is not without its critics but it is right that
stream-lining decision making in the 27 nation EU takes place. It is
right that scrutiny in national and the European Parliament is to be
enhanced. The UK is a full member of the EU so it is not in our
interests for it to be less than effective in dealing with some crucial
issues. For Conservatives, continuing to try to keep the debate open
is a distraction when as an incoming government we have big domestic
and international policy challenges on which to concentrate. We need
to choose the right battles to fight.

A Conservative Government will need to work closely with other European
countries to tackle issues such as climate change, terrorism, energy
shortfalls, migration, Russian real-politik, the Middle East as well as
achieving more co-ordinated defence and security approaches. These are
not things any government can resolve in isolation.

In Germany there is a renewed vigour from the centre-right coalition.
They should be our allies in ensuring the single market is protected
and extended. If we are to achieve Conservative objectives, we have to
work closely with friendly governments. The EU is about advancing
national interests through influence, collaboration and compromise -
unfamiliar perhaps in the UK but we had better adapt quickly if we are
to succeed in advancing our agenda.

Ian Taylor MP
On behalf of the Conservative Europe Group