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updated 10:20 AM UTC, Dec 13, 2023

Queen Elizabeth II: ‘Division In Europe Is Dangerous’

LONDON, United Kingdom. The Queen has warned about the dangers of division in Europe, as leaders grapple with the Greece crisis and the UK Prime Minister seeks reforms before a referendum.

At a state banquet at the Bellevue Palace, the home of Germany’s President Joachim Gauck, Her Majesty used her only speech of the state visit to the country to talk about her thoughts on a united Europe.

She said: “In our lives, Mr President, we have seen the worst but also the best of our continent. 

“We have witnessed how quickly things can change for the better. But we know that we must work hard to maintain the benefits of the post-war world. 

“We know that division in Europe is dangerous and that we must guard against it in the West as well as in the East of our continent. That remains a common endeavour.”

Palace officials insist the speech should not be read as political. But it comes at a crucial time, with EU treaty negotiations ongoing ahead of the referendum on Britain’s relationship with Europe. 

David Cameron, who heads off for meetings in Brussels on Thursday, was among the invited guests at the state banquet to hear the Queen’s speech.

The German President also warned of the need to maintain EU relations.

In his speech at the state banquet he said: “We know that we need an effective European Union based on a stable foundation of shared values.

“A constructive dialogue on the reforms Britain wants to see is therefore essential.

“As a good partner, Germany will support this dialogue. For Britain is part of Europe. The European Union needs Britain.

“A united Europe, a strong European Union, represents stability, peace and freedom – for us all.”

Earlier in the day both the Queen and the Prime Minister held private meetings with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

A Downing Street spokesperson said Mr Cameron’s talks covered a range of issues, including the UK renegotiation, migration and Libya.

“On the UK renegotiation, the Prime Minister updated Chancellor Merkel on his talks with other leaders and they agreed that the next step should be to kick off technical discussions on the substance,” the spokesperson said.

There has been genuine excitement about the Royal visit in Germany, potentially giving Mr Cameron an opportunity to play on those feelings of goodwill between the two countries at what is a tricky time in his EU negotiations.

Credit: Sky News

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