Last year, to much fanfare from his backbenches, David Cameron turned his back on Europe. While politically it may have appeased anti-Europeans in his own party, pragmatically it has left the UK increasingly isolated and unable to punch our weight in Europe.
I have recently returned from two days in Brussels meeting with the key international development directorates in the EU and the impact of David Cameron’s walkout is stark.
Europe for example accounts for more than 50 per cent of the world’s humanitarian aid. ECHO, the European Community Humanitarian Office, has an annual budget of over €1bn with contributions from across the continent; this is on top of individual states’ humanitarian budgets.
This EU contribution represents a vital part of the world’s response to the growing number of humanitarian disasters. Last year, there were 385 recorded disasters compared to only 78 in 1975. This increase follows on from continued global climate change, rapid urbanization and population growth – all issues which the EU development arm, DEVCO, is addressing. It is vital that with the UK leading the world on international development we have a voice inside European institutions to press for a greater say in European priorities.
The EU’s role in development and humanitarian relief is globally significant. But it is not just development where this is true. The EU is a pivotal player in trade, energy, security, economics, foreign affairs, agriculture, environment, human rights, immigration, business regulation, counter terrorism, nuclear disarmament and many more areas.
In the face of continuing globalisation, worldwide environmental challenges and the emergence of new economic powerhouses, I am in no doubt that engagement in Europe enhances our position in the world. However, whatever your view on the benefits of Europe surely with such key responsibilities being held in the EU, as a member the UK should be doing everything we can to engage and promote British interests.
By shirking Europe in return for a short-term reprieve from his isolationist backbenchers Cameron has significantly undermine the UK’s clout in one of the world’s key institutions.
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Ivan Lewis MP is shadow secretary of state for international development
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Photo: European Parliament