HC Deb 26 November 1999 vol 339 cc232-3W
Ms Osborne

To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the Anglo-French Summit of 25 November. [100564]

The Prime Minister

The twenty-second UK/French Summit took place in London on 25 November. Discussions were wide-ranging and took place in a positive and friendly atmosphere. We had worthwhile exchanges on a range of EU, economic and foreign policy issues, and I discussed the lifting of the French ban on British beef with both President Chirac and Prime Minister Jospin.

The main outcome of the Summit was on European defence. We issued a declaration which further advances UK/French co-operation in this field and follows on from the work started at last year's Summit at St. Malo.

We also discussed the issues to be considered at the Lisbon Special European Council next March and agreed to work together to develop ideas and initiatives on growth, innovation and employment in Europe.

A copy of the declaration on defence co-operation and a document setting out in more detail the issues discussed in relation to innovation and employment in Europe have been placed in the Libraries of the House.