LETTER: Walking away from EU would solve nothing

I recently attended the Labour Party Conference in Brighton as an observer for Unite the union.

I was impressed with my Euro MP, Glennis Willmott as she gave a rousing speech and spoke about going forward and fighting for our young people.

The importance of being at the centre of EU politics, not out in the cold on the fringes, which would be a big step backwards.

Our Labour MEPs believe Britain is better off in Europe and they are working hard to ensure British interests and Labour values are at the heart of the EU. Fighting for decent jobs, economic stability, fairness and opportunity for all. But if Britain’s future is to be secured, they know that Europe needs to work better for British people.

That is why Labour MEPs are leading a campaign for a positive reform agenda in Europe.

They are fighting to deliver:

More Effective Economic Policy – Labour will continue to push for the completion of the single market which will provide huge gains for Britain. Ensuring a focus on research and development, infrastructure spending and industrial policy is key to restoring growth to Europe.

Energy Market Reform – Again our Labour MEPs are at the forefront of EU efforts to tackle rising energy bills and climate change by reforming the European single market in energy. Europe must continue working to increase energy from renewable sources and decrease our reliance on energy imports.

Strengthening Workers’ Rights – Labour in Europe will continue to fight for reform of the Agency Workers’ Directives in order to close loopholes that allow firms to undercut locally-employed staff and exploit migrant workers.

Also urging EU action on the scourge of zero-hours contracts.

Reforming the financial sector – Following on from the recent financial crisis, EU action has addressed flaws in Europe’s banking system to ensure ordinary people like you and me won’t suffer because of the bankers’ mistakes.

Labour MEPs have backed measures to reduce bankers’ bonuses and end the casino culture of the banking sector and ensure a more long-term approach. Deposit guarantee schemes will protect customers in the event of a bank going bust. The EU has made banks safer and more accountable, putting the needs of the customer, ordinary people first.

So for me, walking away from the EU would solve nothing, we would return to the 1950s, who would gain?

Forty years ago the EU vote involved nine member states, to leave a member union of 28 states now would be a complete disaster.

Rodney Sadd
vice chair of the CLP South Holland & The Deepings