"Given a fair wind, we will negotiate our way into the Common Market, head held high, not crawling in. Negotiations? Yes. Unconditional acceptance of whatever terms are offered us? No"

This quote by Harold Wilson is describing the United Kingdom's attempt to join the European Economic Community (EEC), additionally known as the Common Market. Wilson is expressing his decision to sign up with the EEC, yet on the UK's own terms. He is suggesting that the UK will certainly negotiate with the EEC to sign up with, however will certainly not accept any kind of terms that are not beneficial to the UK. This quote shows Wilson's dedication to the UK's sovereignty and also his belief that the UK must not be forced to approve any type of terms that are not in its benefits. It likewise reflects his confidence that the UK can join the EEC by itself terms, given the best situations.