Denis MacShane: Many Britons still are not at ease with the EU

From a speech by the Europe Minister to the Foreign Policy Institute in Talinn, Estonia

Throughout the Cold War, Estonia experienced first-hand what the Iron Curtain did to Europe. Now, with EU membership around the corner and on the threshold of an invitation to join Nato, it stands in a prime position to reap the benefits of a reunited Europe.

Twenty years ago, I was arrested and briefly imprisoned by the Communist secret police in Poland, while organising support for the Polish Union after it was repressed by General Jaruzelski. What a leap of faith it would have taken for me, back then, to believe that we would be where we are today. Europe reunited is, for me, a family reunited.

And for Estonia and Britain, enlargement is the happy ending to a process that began in 1918, when 117 British servicemen died fighting for Estonian independence. We've staunchly supported that goal ever since. And now, at last, you will take your rightful place at the top table of democratic, European nations. No longer a candidate, but an equal partner.

I'm passionate about Europe. The literature I read. The languages I speak. The places I have visited. And the many friendships I have developed. My own varied European background means that I feel at ease with Europe.

But I know some people in my country do not. Many British people may travel as easily to Brussels and Paris as they do to London. They may get by with the languages. And they may know the vast array of European footballers playing in the English leagues – including your own Mart Poom. But ask them about the Council, the Commission or the Parliament and they don't want to know. There is a swathe of British people who visit Europe regularly, know it well, and love much of what it has to offer. Yet they don't feel at ease with Britain's role in the EU.

My first priority as Minister for Europe is to play my role in building a Britain at ease with Europe. And to show that a Britain at ease with Europe can make the most of itself and the opportunities out there, to create the kind of Europe we want to see.