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This year's Reith Lecturer is the government educational advisor and headmaster of Eton College Robert Birley. In his Reith series entitled 'Britain in Europe', he considers the history and future impact of Britain's increasing involvement with Europe.

In his final lecture, entitled 'Britain's Contribution to a European Society', Robert Birley argues that common ideals are the only possible binding force for a European Union. He reveals what he believes to be the three qualities in the British way of life which should form its main contribution to the common way of life within the European Union. These are social cohesion; the ability to preserve a balance between a belief in individual freedom and a sense of social responsibility; and the acceptance of the principle of the rule of law. He argues that all three can make a real contribution to Europe today.