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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.

Margaret Thatcher's speech at dinner in honour of West German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt, www.margaretthatcher.org. May 10, 1979.
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