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[...] And so we have reached what I believe is a crucial crossroads for the United Kingdom. The crisis in the eurozone and the migration challenge have led to calls for still more integration and a move towards much greater political union. It is a path that the UK will not and should not follow.
We are a sovereign nation. But thanks to changes to the Lisbon Treaty, countries like ours can now be outvoted every time by members of the eurozone on new European laws. We cannot be left in a position where we have no ability to defend our national interest. Nor can we simply accept endless migration from across Europe with no ability to slow or stop the resulting growth in our population.
Most people in Westminster know that I hold strong Eurosceptic views. It is time for Britain to vote again on its future in Europe. But I also strongly believe that David Cameron is right to seek new terms for our membership before that vote happens.
I am someone who believes that simply staying in the EU with our current terms of membership unchanged would be disastrous for Britain. That’s why I have always believed that it is imperative that his renegotiation takes place and delivers as much potential change as possible. It is in the interests of all Eurosceptics and of our country. I want Britain to choose between a changed relationship and leaving, and not between the current situation and leaving. [...]