The argument about whether international work is an essential part of our agenda or a luxury is over. In today's world economy, it is impossible to protect our members at work without an active approach to international issues and solidarity across borders.

The T&G has a proud tradition, exemplified by the work of Jack Jones and Frank Cousins, of giving a lead on international trade union questions, and of showing solidarity to workers and oppressed people struggling in far more difficult and dangerous circumstances than we do in Britain. I will renew and develop this tradition. It is a matter of practical urgency for T&G members that we do so. Many decisions affecting our working lives are now taken by giant international companies, and by institutions outside Britain and Ireland.

This requires a stronger role for international trade union bodies in countering international capital, and I shall throw the T&G's weight behind moves in that direction.

I will maintain the T&G's position of resisting any rush to join the 'Euro'. There are economic problems which have not yet been addressed, and there is the democratic problem of handing control of a key economic instrument - the currency - to a committee of unelected bankers. Safeguarding jobs and safeguarding democracy should be our guiding principle. Our Biennial Delegate Conference and our General Executive Council will decide on the T&G's position in the event of any referendum on the issue.

However, I shall represent T&G members' interests within the structures of the European Union with the same determination as in Westminster. We must fight for the best deal wherever decisions are taken.

The T&G's support for peace and disarmament should be maintained. The world remains a dangerous place, and the labour movement in Britain and Ireland should be a voice of sanity for peace and against aggression, including the attack on Iraq and other countries planned by George Bush.