vla22 | Entries tagged with europe

(The final version was very slightly different, because I didn't stick strictly to the script.)

I'm speaking in support of Amendment One, for three reasons:

First, the political.

The motion as drafted leaves pro-Rejoin voters and European citizens, especially in England, with no natural Party home. A commitment to close working does not give us the benefits of membership, and does not give us a clear campaign message. There were 16 million Remain voters in 2016, and more are now dissastified. By acknowledging that any possible Leave mandate has been satisfied, and by campaigning for Rejoining, we show that we are the Party that supports pro-European voters.

Second, the institutional. I work in a massive international scientific collaboration. We gain so much by collaboration, as the motion rightly points out. What has the EU ever done for us? The EU has been a vehicle to help prevent war and cement peace. It's showcased culture across the continent, and supported local regeneration, even when national government hasn't. And it's co-operating right now to pool knowledge and resources to deal with the Covid Pandemic.

Third, the personal.

I'm a British and Irish citizen. I'm a European, and Citizen of Nowhere.

And 1992, my school took us on a trip to Europe to celebrate the Maastricht Agreement and to educate us about the EU. Since then, I have been deeply committed to Europe, to the EU, and to co-operation with our nearest neighbours.

The T-shirt I'm wearing was made to commemorate that trip. For me, it's an emblem of optimism and international co-operation. It's a t-shirt. It's meant to wear out. It's deeply sad for me that it's still here, frayed around the edges, while our EU membership has been completely destroyed. Please give us a policy we can support wholeheartedly. Please support Amendment One. ----