Professor Jonathan Faull:

The expression of ever-closer union has been in the treaty since the beginning. It is ever-closer union among the peoples. It is not never-ending integration between states and governments. It seems to be understood differently in different places. The reality of today's Europe is, as we know it, different member states are doing different things. Some are in the euro, some are not. Some are in Schengen, some are not. The United Kingdom has quite a catalogue of protocols, declarations and opt-outs which have co-existed quite happily with the language of ever-closer union among the peoples of Europe remaining in the treaty.

Again, however, political facts are what they are. The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Osborne, made a speech in Berlin recently where he said frankly that we have come to understand this term differently in Britain from most of the rest of Europe.

It has come to symbolise for some in Britain a never-ending, relentless move towards further integration, so they say they want that issue addressed. Can it be addressed in a way that allows other countries to continue to understand it in a way with which they are comfortable? I do not believe that is impossible. That is one of the challenges facing us. It is not an expression that has legal effects on its own, and it is not a basis for European legislation.

The finest bit of ever-closer union I have seen recently was the football crowd in Wembley Stadium singing the La Marseillaisethe other day. This was an example of people understanding that they have a common destiny and face common challenges. It was not about committee meetings and regulations in Brussels. Whether it is a different understanding or a misunderstanding, it is a fact and we have to deal with it. I believe we can find ways of doing so.