We are writing
on a cross-party basis to urge people to join us in campaigning in Camden to
keep Britain in the European Union in the coming referendum.
We can’t
rehearse all the arguments here, but we believe that the UK should stay in the
European Union and work constructively with our neighbours to tackle together
the big challenges we cannot sort out at a national level in an increasingly
globalised world. Withdrawal would bring unquantifiable economic and
financial risks, and substantial loss of British influence around the
world.
The EU is
certainly not perfect, any more than any organisation. It needs reform,
and working together as 28 countries with their cultural, social, economic and
institutional traditions, we believe that we can get the EU focused on the
right priorities, with more democracy and transparency at EU level, while
preserving national and local decision making and diversity.
The process of
European integration has fulfilled its original aims of maintaining peace and
promoting democracy and co-operation in the continent, and our membership of
the EU has contributed greatly to Britain’s - and London’s - prosperity and
success, despite all the press scare stories and Euro myths. Since joining in
the 1970s, Britain has greatly contributed to the reform of European
institutions, the enlargement of the EU, the modernisation of the common market,
and the promotion of a competitive
and dynamic knowledge-based economy. By remaining part of the EU, Britain can
further contribute to its development and future reform.
Above all,
Europe is about increasing opportunities: opportunities for young people to
travel, study and work; for businesses to trade and grow; for better ways of
tackling climate change and environmental problems; for combating cross-border
crime; for greater freedom and social progress for us all. And especially
in this period, the EU should also be about a coordinated, generous and
farsighted response to the unprecedented refugee crisis, and greater support
for countries outside the EU suffering from poverty, underdevelopment and
war.
In Camden in
particular we rightly celebrate the contribution of our many citizens who have
moved here from other EU countries. We all benefit immeasurably from the
opportunities to live, work, trade and travel all across our continent that
membership of the EU gives us; our culture and society are enriched by the
breaking down of artificial barriers.
We know people
can feel overwhelmed when faced with conflicting arguments and facts on the EU.
That’s why, as the national campaign to keep Britain in Europe gears up,
we intend locally to provide information, to talk to people and to discuss the
issues publicly. We don’t think we have all the answers and will value hearing
your views. We also know that in Camden many people have a great deal of
knowledge and experience about Europe, and will want a grown-up debate without
simplistic slogans. So have a look at our website – www.camdenineurope.blogspot.co.uk, let us know if you want your name
added as a supporter, follow us on twitter at @CamdeninEurope, and get in touch
with any of us to see how you can help or feed into the campaign.
We all write in
a personal capacity. We hope local people of all parties and none will be
enthused to lend their support as the country starts to consider a decision
that will be critical to Britain’s future.
Cllr Lazzaro
Pietragnoli (Labour)
Keith Moffitt (former Liberal Democrat Leader of Camden Council)
Cllr Sian Berry (Green Party mayoral candidate)
Cllr Andrew Marshall (Conservative)
Keith Moffitt (former Liberal Democrat Leader of Camden Council)
Cllr Sian Berry (Green Party mayoral candidate)
Cllr Andrew Marshall (Conservative)
