European Affairs

I am grateful to my right hon. Friend. I cannot remember whether he was number six or number seven—or, perhaps, number five or number eight—but I know that some Ministers for Europe have not remained in post for long, and I intend to remain for a long time. My right hon. Friend has raised an important point about the Lisbon agenda. He is right to suggest that we must work hard in the coming months, especially as we move into the Spanish presidency. I know that the Spanish intend to take up the task with keen endeavour. We need to move towards a compact on jobs and growth, which is one of the subjects I am about to discuss.