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PM calls for end to "burden" of European regulation

Feb 22 2008

Prime minister Gordon Brown has said less European regulation on small firms would help protect the growth of Europe's business.

'We must accelerate economic reform to enable European citizens and businesses to compete,' he says.

Speaking to reporters after talks in Brussels with European commission president Jose Manuel Barroso, Brown said too much focus has been put on the institutional issues surrounding the EU, such as the constitution, but countries should focus on what citizens care about: 'prosperity and jobs, security and climate change'.

He stressed the potential the EU has as a 'force for stability and justice throughout the world'.

During the trip to Brussels, he signed the controversial Lisbon treaty which, once ratified by parliament, will tie Britain closer to the EU.

Brown called integration into the EU 'essential to the success of Britain' and said 'a Britain fully engaged in Europe is essential to the success of the EU'.

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