Why Europe?

The benefits of the European Union

I am frustrated that the debate around the EU so often is focused on what is wrong with Europe rather than the benefits we have all accrued, as workers, consumers and citizens.

I believe that through Britain’s membership of the European Union we have made huge strides towards a fairer and more equal society.

Without European legislation we would not have the maternity and paternity rights we enjoy, or the entitlement to leave, or the right to be safe in our place of work. We would not have the protection we enjoy as consumers. We would not be as prosperous.

We would not have a co-ordinated approach to tackling one of the greatest threats to our civilization, climate change. And we should remember that after centuries of conflict and two world wars, the EU has helped to deliver to us all the benefits of peace.

The challenge that Europe faces

But the European Union is far from perfect. There are areas demanding urgent reform. We need greater transparency, greater democracy and a fairer distribution of resources. And the challenges that European Union has to face are huge.

We are living in very difficult times. In many ways the world is a tinderbox, exacerbated by the current economic crisis, impacted upon not only by ethnic and religious tensions, but also by the scramble for increasingly scarce resources.

A confident European Union, in partnership with a new US administration, can begin to have a real on world affairs and start to make an impact on these issues.

I believe we as a nation have an enormous contribution to make to the European effort to support and encourage peace.

Greater equality and security for all

I would use my term of office to further the cause of equality and security.

Greater equality for those European citizens who do not enjoy the benefits that others take for granted.

Security for us all – knowing we have a roof over our head, food on the table and a future for our children and grandchildren.

I believe that I can be a strong voice for our region and our nation in Europe.

If you want somebody who will fight for her country, speak out for those who are ignored and marginalised, be prepared to challenge both within and without the European Parliament – I promise you that is what I will do!

On June 4th you have a choice – more of the same – or another Liberal Democrat MEP.

I hope you will choose to vote for the Liberal Democrats and in doing so vote for me, Linda Jack, to fight, alongside Andrew Duff, for greater equality and security for all.