A British exit from the European Union is not just a hollow prospect, it could be a hugely damaging reality set in motion and delivered in the next parliament. The arguments for staying in need to be robust, and must truly resonate with people across the country.
At the Fabian’s Europe 2020 conference last week, shadow minister for Europe, Pat McFadden, cut directly to the heart of the matter: ‘Those of us who want Britain to stay in the EU must understand the sense of loss felt in some parts of the country about the changes brought about by globalisation’.
This is, in part, about the sense of fear and loss that people have in respect of globalisation, our place in Europe and our identity in the wider world. Exploring that fear, truly understanding the elements surrounding it and empathising with those who feel it, allows us then to own a more relevant and progressive argument for staying in Europe. It follows that the focus of McFadden’s speech was on engaging the wider public to deliver a better a future for British people, as a part of Europe. This creates a clear and defining difference between Labour and the other parties.
This also evokes the question of relevance to people’s lives – Europe needs to matter. Reiterating the positive role the European Union has had in respect of greatly improving people’s rights as employees, from enhancing maternity, paternity, and holiday rights, through to workplace protections, is important. Though this must not be seen as a static or historical significance, but one relevant for the future where, as part of the outcomes based reform needed in Europe, we will further build on the successes of those rights.
In contrast to promulgating fear, we must look to provide the next generation with the skills, experience and, ultimately, install the confidence to thrive in the European job market and wider world. This involves ensuring that our young people have choices and options as to how they take forward their education and careers. Labour has rightly said it will cut tuition fees, to reduce the barriers and burdens of a university based route. It has also emphasised boosting apprenticeships, as an equally valuable and important option. This means we will be able to equip, train, and upskill young people so they can take advantage of the challenges of competitive markets, and achieve the very best.
We can also offer a positive vision for those who fear migration in relation to other European countries. We do not have to follow the irrational and panic-provoking approach – instead we are offering a solution based on an immigration system with fair rules. We know that freedom of movement impacts all countries, and so we can share the opportunity to work with other European members, to progress forwards with better solutions.
The Eurosceptic politicians exploitation of anger does not offer any hope, nor, as Pat McFadden said, does it offer a single job. The EU is our largest export market and the threat of a Brexit has created major concern in terms of the consequences for our economy. We also know that Standard & Poor’s, the international rating agency, stated that the biggest threat to the UK’s credit rating is the risk of it leaving the EU. As I have argued before, why would any start-up, small business or multi-national look forward to the prospect of leaving such a key market to which they can export their products and services? The Brexit supporters need to answer this case.
Reform can also take the form of proactive and empowering measures within the current system. This includes prioritising growth and jobs. Labour has been absolutely right to call on this as a key focus of the EU, leading to the appointment of a commission vice-president for jobs, growth, investment and competitiveness.
However, the value of our role in Europe goes well beyond the valuable benefits of jobs and growth. In Peter Mandelson’s Europe 2020 speech, I saw a desire to express the greater good that can come from nations joining together for a common cause. The shared values that we have with our European neighbours has led to relative peace in Europe for the past 70 years and has given rise to some of our most incredible creations – such as our human rights regime. This of itself needs to be celebrated, as does the security that we derive from a relatively stable Europe. This comparative steadiness should not be taken for granted, especially with Russia’s actions in Ukraine. The EU, as a collection of nation states, is better placed to engage with these problems than any one individual country on its own can.
For these reasons, we need to be proud that we are the advocates of confidence over fear, and that we offer a progressive approach to the way our country relates to Europe, and is part of Europe, rather than preying on a sense of fear and loss.
———————————
Charles Smith is the parliamentary candidate for Maidenhead. He tweets @charlie_rsmith
———————————