Given a fair wind, we will negotiate our way into the Common Market, head held high, not crawling in. Negotiations? Yes. Unconditional acceptance of whatever terms are offered us? No.

Meaning of the quote

The quote suggests that the English statesman, Harold Wilson, believed that England should negotiate its way into the Common Market (now known as the European Union) on fair and equal terms, not just accept whatever terms are offered without discussion. He wanted England to enter the Common Market confidently and with dignity, not by begging or submitting to unfavorable conditions. Wilson believed in negotiating and standing up for England's interests, rather than simply accepting whatever the other members demanded.

About Harold Wilson

Harold Wilson was a British statesman and Labour Party politician who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom twice, from 1964 to 1970 and again from 1974 to 1976. He led the Labour Party through several key issues, including the role of public ownership, Britain’s membership in the European Communities, and British involvement in the Vietnam War.

More about the author

More quotes from Harold Wilson

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I’m an optimist, but an optimist who carries a raincoat.

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I believe the greatest asset a head of state can have is the ability to get a good night’s sleep.

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Everybody should have an equal chance – but they shouldn’t have a flying start.

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The main essentials of a successful prime minister are sleep and a sense of history.

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