SOUTHERN AFRICA AND THE BRITISH EU PRESIDENCY

Early day motion 623, tabled 19 December 1997 by Barbara Follett (Labour). Signed by 115 members.

That this House recognises that Britain's Presidency of the European Union comes at a crucial time in the continuing trade negotiations between the EU and South Africa, the outcome of which is crucial for people throughout the Southern African Development Community struggling to overcome poverty, inequality and the legacies of apartheid; commends the considerable progress made in the talks over recent months, presenting the opportunity for reaching a final agreement not only for Southern Africa, but also for future relations between Europe and the developing world, particularly given the forthcoming re-negotiation of the Lome Convention; calls on Her Majesty's Government to show strong leadership within the EU for an outward-oriented approach that fulfils Europe's responsibilities beyond its immediate borders; and further calls on Her Majesty's Government to commit itself to ensuring that the trade talks are a top political priority during the Presidency with a view to concluding a fair deal at the Cardiff Summit, as evidence of the support of the British people for Southern Africa's struggle to build a better future after apartheid.

Signatures by party: Labour 75, Liberal Democrat 21, Conservative 11, Labour/Co-operative 4, Plaid Cymru 2, Independent Conservative 1, UUP 1.