EU Council and North Africa

David T C Davies Excerpts

Monday 7th February 2011 Commons Chamber

[The Prime Minister]

What we discussed at the European Council was a specific declaration on Egypt, and I made sure that in that declaration there was some language about the association agreements that we entered into and making sure that they were real and tangible. I have the language in the folder before me; perhaps I can repeat it in a minute, because it does seem to me important. I am sure that Baroness Ashton, in looking at the conclusions that we reached, will recognise that we did all agree that that should be the case.

[David T. C. Davies (Monmouth) (Con)]

Could the Prime Minister tell us whether the EU Council took note that Morocco, which has embraced and is embracing a human rights and democracy agenda, has not suffered from outbreaks of civil unrest? Does he agree that we could do more to help that country and everyone in the region if we encouraged other nations in the area to take part in negotiations over a referendum on the future of Western Sahara?

[The Prime Minister]

My hon. Friend makes an extremely good point. In our relations with those countries, we want to look at all the things that will help to encourage stability, progress and peace rather than strife.

In terms of the association agreement with Egypt, the declaration on Egypt says very specifically that we agreed:

“The basis for the EU’s relationship with Egypt must be the principles set out in the Association Agreement and the commitments made.”

European leaders agreed that statement, and I think it is important for the future.