“We shall judge what British interests are and we shall be resolute in defending them.”

Speech at dinner for West German Chancellor (Helmut Schmidt) (10 May 1979) http://www.margaretthatcher.org/document/104080
First term as Prime Minister
Context: It has been suggested by some people in this country that I and my government will be a “soft touch” in the [European] Community. In case such a rumour may have reached your ears, Mr Chancellor... it is only fair that I should advise you frankly to dismiss it (as my own colleagues did, long ago). We shall judge what British interests are and we shall be resolute in defending them.

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Margaret Thatcher 348
British stateswoman and politician 1925–2013

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