Leaving Europe would be 'error' for UK
15/07/2013 - 10:11am
Leaving the European Union would be a “historical error” for Britain, according to a new manifesto backed by a cross-party selection, including Conservative minister, Ken Clarke.
The manifesto, Better Off in a Better Europe, launched by the group British Influence, who are lobbying for the UK to stay within the EU, argues that instead of withdrawing from Europe, the UK should use its current weight within the Union to push for reform.
The manifesto is being backed backed by the former EU trade commissioner, Lord Mandelson, as well as Conservative minister Ken Clarke, a noted Europhile within the government.
Danny Alexander form the Liberal Democrats, widely seen as the most pro-EU of the main parties, is also behind the document.
Under pressure from his increasingly Eurosceptic backbenchers, Prime Minister David Cameron has pledged to hold a referendum on the country's membership of the EU if re-elected. In a recent private members' bill, MPs voted that a referendum should be held before the end of 2017. Clarke was one of five Conservative members to vote against the bill.
The new manifesto calls for a reform of the EU, close to Cameron's viewpoint,calling for a “leaner and meaner” Europe, which should be “rebooted for the 21st century.” It warns against unilateral repatriation of powers, but argues that some competencies should be returned to member states. According to the document, an further EU treaty change is “inevitable.”
Speaking at the launch of the manifesto, Ken Clarke said “David Cameron has already shown what can be achieved in Europe through strong, determined leadership. This document brings out the huge further rewards the British can reap by remaining doggedly engaged in Europe, and determined to help set the agenda.”
Peter, now Lord, Mandelson, who served as the EU's trade commissioner between 2004 and 2008 before returning to domestic politics to become business secretary, said that if the UK were to elave the EU, it would lose out economically.
“If Britain quit the EU, amongst the losers would be businesses foregoing trade and investment opportunities, their employees whose jobs and workplace rights would be at risk, the police and security agencies who would sacrifice vital collaboration and the British people who would lose the freedom to travel, live and work as they wish across Europe,” he said.
He added that Britain would have the “dubious satisfaction” of being isolated in global trade and economics if it departed the European Union. europe on lineL
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