So you want to be like Norway in its relationship with the European Union? Really? It’s time to think again!
The next general election will determine what kind of country we will be. Are we going to be a nation that is outward-looking, open to the world and leading in our largest market, or will we become marginalised internationally, isolated and inward-looking?
Although the tectonic plates of the world economy are shifting, the growth in new markets would have to make up some enormous ground in order to make up for a decline in European activity. The EU’s GDP per capita in purchasing power terms is still nearly four times that of China, three times Brazil’s and nine times India’s.
Through our membership of the EU we have access to a market of over 500 million people. True, it is possible to trade with the EU from outside, but just as Norway is very aware, if you want to play this game you have to abide by the rules required of you, and you have no influence at all over what those rules look like.
The Eurosceptics argue that we can still have a relationship with our continental colleagues through establishing and negotiating bilateral relationships – not just with each of the 28 member states, but with each individual country throughout the globe. But do they really think that little Britain could negotiate a stronger trade agreement with the United States by ourselves, rather than singing in a chorus of the EU, with the powerful bargaining mandate of the largest single market in the world pressing the case on our behalf?
This week Norway’s Europe minister warned of serious consequences for economic and security policy for the United Kingdom if it leaves the EU.
The real threats that are facing Britain today are better dealt with through being a part of the EU. Most key security meetings are now being convened at an EU level, rather than within Nato. We cannot hope to stop terrorist attacks without cooperating with intelligence services elsewhere.
From stopping global disease, to climate change, to environmental and social protection, we are better off as members of the EU.
On the key areas of the economy and immigration the EU is critical. With 50 per cent of our goods going to EU markets we need the continental economy to flourish. But if the prime minister’s influence on the economic debate in the EU seems small now, how much more irrelevant would it be outside of the EU?
Immigration from troubled places like Syria and Eritrea will happen irrespective of whether we are in the EU or outside. Desperate people will do desperate things to get to our shores, but we would be better off coordinating with our neighbours on how best to tackle these issues.
We must also question what the alternative to EU membership would look like? We are unlikely to be offered European Free Trade Association membership like the Swiss, as it is a complex and difficult relationship.
On the other hand, membership of the European Economic Area like Norway’s would allow us access to the EU market but with a one-way street in terms of rules being handed to us with which we would have to comply. We would have to adhere to the four freedoms, including the free movement of capital, goods services, and crucially, people. Norway is the tenth largest contributor to the EU despite not being a member.
Now is the time to make the case that our best option as a nation is to fight to remain a part of the EU and to ensure that reforms are made from within.
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Eluned Morgan is shadow minister for foreign affairs in the House of Lords. She tweets at @Eluned_Morgan
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