On Thursday 4 June in Britain and Sunday 7 June in Spain, millions of British and Spanish citizens will go to the polls to choose their representatives to the European parliament for the next five years. These European elections are an expression of the values we share – such as democracy and fairness – and all that we gain from being part of a common area of peace, democracy and security. As progressive parties in government, we know the value of working closely together in Europe. Together we are safer and stronger in facing common global challenges like climate change, terrorism, or the current global financial and economic crisis.
The global economy is contracting for the first time in 60 years, triggered by the collapse of the US sub-prime market. It is because we know that the economic crisis is about people’s lives and livelihoods, that we have put decisive action to help support families and businesses through this economic downturn at the core of our responses to the crisis. A successful economic Europe depends on a successful social Europe. As progressives, we have created a united European front to ensure that hard working families are protected against the effects of the crisis. We have taken bold coordinated action through a European economic recovery plan, ensuring that, across Europe, households and businesses get the support they need. We are investing to foster new job creation and businesses in the low-carbon economy, so that the recovery is fast and sustainable. We are delivering real help to keep people in work – such as car scrappage schemes to support jobs in the motor industry by providing discounts for people to replace their old cars with new models. In contrast, British and Spanish conservatives have been passive throughout, opposing the proactive measures which European leaders and the US administration believe are vital for an end to the global recession.
Tragically, the people of London and Madrid have suffered at the hands of terrorists, and know all too well that coordinated European action is essential for our joint fight against international terrorism. We have worked to establish a European Arrest Warrant, which allows fast and effective arrest and extradition of suspected criminals and terrorists. The warrant has already been used to stop suspected criminals and terrorists evading justice simply by crossing borders within the EU – making Britain and Spain safer. The cooperation of our governments has already meant we have brought suspected drug traffickers, rapists and murderers back to face justice. It is shocking that some conservatives in the European parliament, including the UK Conservatives, have opposed the introduction of the Arrest Warrant.
The British Conservatives would choose isolation by leaving the mainstream European People’s Party. But as progressives we know isolationism can never be the right choice if we want to tackle international challenges including extremism and international crime. As progressive parties in government we want to harness the full potential of European cooperation to face down common challenges and improve the lives of citizens. If turnout is low, far-right and extremist parties could strengthen their representation in the European parliament. We must prevent the rise of racism and intolerance, which run counter to our shared European values. This underlines the importance of casting a vote in the European elections. The outcome of the elections really does matter.