'In Our Interest: Britain with Europe'

Home , Alistair Burt, Ben Gummer, Caroline Spelman, Charles Hendry, Conservatives at Work, Damian Green

‘IN OUR INTEREST: BRITAIN WITH EUROPE’

Robert Buckland MP, Rt. Hon. Damian Green MP, Margot James MP, Jeremy Lefroy MP, Rt. Hon. Sir James Paice DL MP, Neil Carmichael MP, Charles Hendry MP, Sir Peter Luff MP, Rt. Hon. Sir Richard Ottaway MP, Rt. Hon. Sir Malcolm Rifkind KCMG QC MP, Rt. Hon. Sir Tony Baldry MP, Richard Benyon MP, Rt. Hon. Alistair Burt MP, Rt. Hon. Stephen Dorrell MP, Tobias Ellwood MP, Ben Gummer MP, Laura Sandys MP, Rt. Hon. Caroline Spelman MP ‘IN OUR INTEREST: BRITAIN WITH EUROPE’

A series of articles by the mainstream of the Conservative Party. We are fundamentally united by our belief that the UK national interest is best served working for changes within the EU, not being marginalised at the fringes. This group believes that the nation would be best served by the Conservative Party campaigning for a ‘yes’ vote in any future in/out referendum.

www.europeanmainstream.org.uk ‘IN OUR INTEREST: BRITAIN WITH EUROPE’

www.europeanmainstream.org.uk TABLE OF CONTENTS

UK Prosperity

Jobs, Jobs, Jobs: The Single Market p. 8 Robert Buckland MP

A Growing Britain in a Reformed EU p. 10 Rt. Hon. Damian Green MP

Trading with our Neighbours p. 12 Margot James MP

Who Controls UK Public Expenditure? p. 14 Jeremy Lefroy MP

Reforming the Common Agricultural Policy p. 16 Rt. Hon. Sir James Paice DL MP

www.europeanmainstream.org.uk The UK Abroad Britain With Europe

TABLE OF CONTENTS Energy Security in Europe p. 20 The European Veto p. 32 Neil Carmichael MP Rt. Hon. Sir Tony Baldry MP

Powering Europe p. 22 Reform – I’ve Done It p. 34 Charles Hendry MP Richard Benyon MP

European Defence and our National Interest p. 24 An Argument for Europe p. 36 Sir Peter Luff MP Rt. Hon. Alistair Burt MP

British Influence in Europe and Beyond p. 26 Leading in Europe p. 38 Rt. Hon. Sir Richard Ottaway MP Rt. Hon. Stephen Dorrell MP

Working Together Abroad p. 28 Managing Migration p. 40 Rt. Hon. Sir Malcolm Rifkind KCMG QC MP Tobias Ellwood MP

Bringing Democracy Back to Europe p. 42 Ben Gummer MP

‘Greedy for Britain’ - EU Plus p. 44 Laura Sandys MP

Better Off IN p. 46 Rt. Hon. Caroline Spelman MP

www.europeanmainstream.org.uk UK PROSPERITY

Jobs, Jobs, Jobs: The Single Market Robert Buckland MP

A Growing Britain in a Reformed EU Rt. Hon. Damian Green MP

Trading with our Neighbours Margot James MP

Who Controls UK Public Expenditure? Jeremy Lefroy MP

Reforming the Common Agricultural Policy Rt. Hon. Sir James Paice DL MP

www.europeanmainstream.org.uk UK PROSPERITY

www.europeanmainstream.org.uk JOBS, JOBS, JOBS: THE SINGLE MARKET Robert Buckland MP

As the German Chancellor, Angela Across Europe we are facing many Merkel, has said before, Europe has of the same challenges: how to 7% of the world’s population, 25% reform pensions and healthcare in of its GDP and 50% of its welfare the long term; opening up services spending. The standard of living to competition; reforming our la- across Europe is the envy of the bour markets; and clamping down developing world, but it could easily on ‘gold-plating’ regulations. Our slip away if we do not work together greatest focus, however, should be For far too long, the domestic de- to meet the competitive challenge on completing the Single Market. bate about Britain’s involvement with posed by economic giants such This would give the EU a substan- the EU has focused upon process as China, India and Brazil. Without tial boost: a single digital market- and procedure. We have sent mixed reform the EU will grow at just 1.5% place could single-handedly boost messages to our European partners per year over the next decade; Europe’s economy by over 4% about our intentions, and have failed China is currently growing at 9.5% between now and 2020. Complet- to link the debate to the reality of life per year. ing the Single Market in energy or for British businesses and commu- in services could do even more to nities. As memories of the Second boost the EU’s competitiveness in World War and the Soviet threat re- EU membership is this global era. cede, we need to find a new focus for the EU. I believe that the need part of the Swindon has the highest percent- to be competitive in a truly global age of foreign-owned firms in the economy should be at the heart of a fabric of life in my whole country. We look out to the positive case for the EU. constituency wider world, and many of our local businesses, large and small, trade JOBS, JOBS, JOBS: THE SINGLE MARKET

daily within the EU. We understand game. Withdrawal from a market of that foreign direct investment and 500 million people with a value of Robert Buckland MP is exports are the key to a strong, sus- about £11 trillion would be a wrong Member of Parliament for tainable economy. The EU’s single turning for Britain. Let’s recognise South Swindon and a Recorder greatest achievement, the Single that when Britain takes a lead in of the Crown Court, sitting on Market, was brought into being by Europe, we get results. the Midland Circuit. He is a British Conservatives. It is this which member of the Joint Committee provides an economic baseload on Human Rights and the for a country that is facing fierce Commons Committees on competition from a fast developing Standards and Privileges. world. As David Lidington has said, Robert is also the Chairman since 1992 the Single Market alone of the Conservative Party Human Rights Commission, increased the EU’s prosperity by Joint Secretary of the 1922 1.85% of GDP and created about Committee and the chair of the 2.75 million extra jobs. All-Party Parliamentary Group on the European Union. EU membership is part of the fabric of life in my constituency. The EU debate must always be a hard-headed discussion about what is best for our economy, our businesses and our families, not some political parlour

‘In Our Interest: Britain with Europe’, p. 9 A GROWING BRITAIN IN A REFORMED EU Rt. Hon. Damian Green MP

public in a serious debate about our fu- dramatically deeper integration than ture, and I believe that we can win not others. This need has already been only the economic argument, but also recognised in countries including capture the idealism of young people Germany and Italy. The Chancellor also for an outward-looking European future, made wider points about the benefits just as happened in the 1970s. Bring it for Britain of successful action by the on. EU. The free trade agreements with Canada, Korea and Singapore point I have supported our full and enthu- For the moment, though, we need to the way to a more prosperous future. siastic membership of the EU since as start making the basic economic case Thirteen countries have signed up to a student I campaigned for a Yes vote that we are Better Off In. Of course Britain’s programme for cutting red in the previous referendum in 1975. there needs to be serous reform, and tape. The most recent budget deal, The broad arguments about greater one of the tasks of Conservatives with a real terms cut for the first time, prosperity and Britain’s influence in who maintain good relations with cen- is not only the sort of policy change the wider world from participation in tre-right politicians from other European which will be supported by British Europe are as strong now as they were countries is to develop a series of ideas Conservatives, but won support from a then, but we need to make them in which will benefit all EU Members in- wide collation of countries. every generation, so that people can cluding Britain when the reform pro- see their relevance in the vastly differ- gramme is fully formulated. There are even more important oppor- ent modern world. tunities ahead which will make Britain This will include, as George Osborne more prosperous and which are only This means that I do not agree with pointed out in his January Speech available through our membership of those of my pro-European friends who to Open Europe, a new ability for the the EU. The greatest of these is the dislike the prospect of a referendum. EU to cope with a European Union Transatlantic Trade and Investment I welcome the chance to engage the where some members are pursuing Partnership (TTIP). This would be a A GROWING BRITAIN IN A REFORMED EU

genuinely historic deal, allowing free These arguments and more will be trade between the EU and USA, cov- made by patriotic pro-European Damian Green is Member for ering economies which account for Conservatives in the years to come. In Ashford and was appointed nearly half of global output and a third the 1975 campaign Margaret Thatcher Minister of State for Policing of trade flows. summed up the underlying argument. and Criminal Justice in 2012. She said “The choice is clear. We can Damian is also Vice-President play a role in developing Europe, or we of the Tory Reform Group. The best setting for can turn our backs on the Community. Britain’s entrepreneurial By turning our backs we would forfeit our right to influence what happens in spirits to flourish is a the Community. But what happens in reformed EU the Community will inevitably affect us.” It was true in 1975 and it will be true in This is just one reason why an ev- 2017 and beyond. The best setting for er-growing list of Britain’s biggest and Britain’s entrepreneurial spirits to flour- most important employers have pub- ish is a reformed EU. Conservatives licly stated the merits of membership. have a big and important case to make, From our leading manufacturers, who not just about the need for reform, but employ tens of thousands of people, about the need for Britain to continue to to the wisest voices from the financial play a leading role in Europe. services sector, we hear a positive message about the benefits of positive engagement.

‘In Our Interest: Britain with Europe’, p. 11 TRADING WITH OUR NEIGHBOURS Margot James MP

the Single Market; and more EU trade ated to facilitate business. It was, in deals from which the UK benefits. fact, created for society as a whole. It is made up of consumers, businesses The Chancellor is right; Britain needs and a regulator. Outside the US Britain to increase her exports. Government conducts more transactions online per support for exporters is targeted to capita than any other country. It is es- those companies who are exporting sential to a crucial sector of our econ- to the growth economies of the world. omy for the Single Market in the digital A Conservative victory in 2015 will That is quite right; more help is needed economy to be completed. guarantee an in/out referendum with- for exporters to markets in Asia, Africa in two years. European Mainstream and South America. But almost half our wants to see the UK prosper in a more exports are still within the EU. We ex- In 2011 the EU closed dynamic and competitive European port almost as much to Germany as we Union. If that can be achieved, we can do to the entire Commonwealth. on a trade deal with be confident that the Prime Minister will South Korea. Since have a strong case for Britain’s contin- We will achieve much by our own ef- ued membership of the EU. forts; the recovery of our manufacturing then UK exports to sector and the powering ahead of our There is a huge amount of work going service sector. But when it comes to South Korea have on across government on the Balance our EU membership, we must look to of Competencies review. The results so the Single Market and trade deals for increased by 95%. far are revealing. And not just in terms additional growth. of what we want less of from Brussels. When it comes to trade there are gains There is a widely held misconception The advantages of the Single Market to to be had from a greater commitment to that the Single Market was only cre- consumers are not widely understood. TRADING WITH OUR NEIGHBOURS

The benefits, in terms of greater con- The EU are currently negotiating trade cial benefits that these developments sumer choice, cross border trade with- deals with the US and Japan, amongst will bring to consumers, so the public out barriers and consumer protection others. The attraction to the US and are able to make an informed decision should be better communicated. Japan of securing these deals is great- about Britain’s future relations with the er access to a market of 300 million EU in three years time. The Balance of Competencies review people. The UK would certainly not be consulted widely. In the consultation able to secure as beneficial a deal on on the Single Market, business made the strength of our own market alone. the point that there are still too many Together the EU and the US account Margot James was elected MP obstacles. Company law and mobility for 43% of world trade in services. for Stourbridge in May 2010, are one of the least harmonised areas British exports of services would ben- having previously served as and this presents difficulties, especial- efit hugely from mutual recognition of Vice-Chair of the Conservative ly for SMEs. Business also called for professional qualifications and stronger Party for Women. In Parliament easier complaint systems and greater intellectual property protection. Margot acts as Parliamentary accountability of those responsible for Private Secretary to Lord enforcing the Single Market. Ahead of a referendum we will need Livingston and chairs the All to communicate the benefits of trade Party Parliamentary Group for The EU can also help Britain grow ex- deals, and an enhanced Single Mar- Trade & Investment. ports elsewhere in the world via trade ket, to the wider public. Business gets deals that reduce, or eliminate even, it. Every survey of business opinion non tariff trade barriers. In 2011 the confirms the vast majority of compa- EU closed on a trade deal with South nies wanting to see Britain remain in a Korea. Since then UK exports to South reformed EU. There is a clear need to Korea have increased by 95%. communicate the economic and so-

‘In Our Interest: Britain with Europe’, p. 13 WHO CONTROLS UK PUBLIC EXPENDITURE? Jeremy Lefroy MP

universal credit – are made in Westmin- As for defence (£41 billion – 5.7%), the ster, not Brussels. There are, of course, decisions to cut the size of our regular arguments over entitled to benefits by army to 82,000, to increase reservists, to citizens of EU countries, but those disa- build two aircraft carriers and to continue greements account for a small proportion developing the replacement for Trident of the total cost. – all were taken by UK ministers and en- dorsed, sometimes reluctantly, by Parlia- Then there is the NHS, brainchild of ment. The EU is an insignificant player in Bevan, not Brussels. No-one in the EU defence and will continue to be so while Recently I decided to check who has has copied it – nor have we been re- its Member States (with a few honourable the most influence on how we spend our quired to dismantle it. Legislation based exceptions including the UK) fail to devote £720 billion 2013/4 budget –Parliament on EU directives does affect it. However sufficient money to defence it. and Government (including those of the I cannot think of much that we would not devolved administrations), or the Euro- have introduced anyway, with perhaps The Department for Communities and pean Union. Who controls how much the the exception of the European Working Local Government (£ 30.1bn – 4.2%) de- state spends, and how it is spent, is key to Time Directive – and even then it was, as cides how it wishes to allocate its budget determining where power lies. so often, the UK Government’s manner of to local authorities. It does not do so under implementation rather than the Directive instruction from an EU Commissioner. An The largest single elements are pensions, itself which have caused some problems. additional £36.1 billion (5.0%) is raised welfare and health, accounting for £331.8 and spent locally by councils. billion (46.1% of all spending). The state Education accounts for another £57.1 pension is now set according to the triple billion (7.9%). Much as I like the Interna- The devolved administrations in Scotland, lock (highest of earnings, prices or 2.5%) tional Baccalaureate (a British invention, Wales and Northern Ireland (£53.1bn – which was legislated for during this Parlia- developed in Cardiff), the A level system 7.4%) are responsible for their own budg- ment. Public sector pensions have seen has stood firm against (non-existent) ets and would no more brook interference necessary reforms, all carried out by this threats from the Abitur or indeed any other from Brussels than they would from Government with Parliament’s approval. examination system. London. Welfare laws – for instance the cap or 1 All figures are from the 2013 Budget Red Book, except where stated. Although the Home Secretary (£8.4bn – The Secretary of State for Environment, of being a free, independent state is the 1.2%), Justice Secretary (£7.5bn – 1.1%) Food and Rural Affairs (£2.3bn – 0.3%) ability to set our own budget, control our and Foreign Secretary (£1.9bn - 0.3%) has more to do with the EU than most cab- revenues and expenditure and run a large seem to spend a fair amount of time in inet ministers. The Common Agricultural deficit if Parliament so decides. Our mem- discussions – and even the odd argument Policy is a fairly inefficient way of keeping bership of the EU clearly does not prevent – with the EU, they are firmly in control of some of our farmers in business – but we us from doing any of this. their own budgets. would still be making an equivalent of Sin- gle Farm payments, at least to our smaller 2 ‘European Finances 2013’ (Treasury: Nov 2013). The main commitments of the Depart- farmers, whether or not we were in the EU. ment for Business, Innovation and Skills Of DFID’s budget (£10.7bn – 1.5%), about (£16.7bn – 2.3%) are research and skills 10% is handled by the EU and the Euro- funding, universities, the Post Office, the pean Development Fund. My experience Jeremy was elected as Member Technology Strategy Board and the UK of this work is mixed. The DFID select Space Agency. It is the UK Government, committee constantly questions the EU’s of Parliament for Stafford on with the approval of Parliament, which de- aid to upper middle income countries and May 6th 2010. Since entering cides where spending should be directed we should continue to do so. parliament he has been – for instance, to support the Post Office elected to the International network or to create the Regional Develop- Debt interest accounts for £49.5 billion Development Select Committee ment Fund and Green Investment Bank. (6.9%) as we continue to borrow another and is also chairman of the 6.8% of GDP this year, ignoring the sup- All Party Parliamentary Group posed 3% EU cap on budget deficits. That (APPG) on Malaria and Primary characteristic of is our decision. Neglected Tropical Diseases. being a free, independent He also chairs the APPG on There is, of course, our contribution to the Tanzania. state is the ability to set EU budget (2013 - £13.9 bn gross; £8.6 bn net – 1.9%; 1.2%). The EU budget re- our own budget...our mains too high and we must continue the work begun last year of cutting it. membership of the EU But would our public finances be very does not prevent us from different if we were not in the EU? It does doing this not seem so. A primary characteristic

‘In Our Interest: Britain with Europe’, p. 15 REFORMING THE COMMON AGRICULTURAL POLICY Sir James Paice MP

at Agriculture Council even though many other Ministers did not agree. Whatever [the CAP] is, The real issue though was whether the proposed reforms of the CAP used the it cannot be sustainable opportunity to change farming to meet in the long term. We the global challenge or retreat back to the protectionist approach of the past; cannot go on spending using CAP funds to prop up literally When we entered Government in May millions of very small farmers especially nearly 40 % of the EU 2010 we inherited a policy that all in Eastern Europe. In other words is it budget on it. subsidy to farmers should stop imme- an economic policy or a social one? diately; a policy which was not only Whatever it is it cannot be sustaina- failed on all counts. The fact that the potentially disastrous to our own in- ble in the long term. We cannot go on final agreement was not far off the orig- dustry but one which had no chance spending nearly 40 % of the EU budget inal proposals says nothing about their whatsoever of being adopted in the EU on it. Heads of Government led by suitability but much more about the so that proclaiming it simply served to David Cameron did reduce the budget power of initiation and the impossibil- exclude the UK from any serious dis- but not by much and regrettably in its ity of getting real agreement between cussion about reform. That is not to say detail it was an especially bad deal for 27 Ministers. The move from historic that public funding shouldn’t cease but the UK. payments to an area based system it should be over a sensible timetable will take six years meaning that in all and be done in conjunction with real It would have been far better to set out the countries still to adjust (i.e. all of measures to help the industry adjust. on a path of restructuring; encouraging many to give up and helping others to them except England and Germany) farmers will continue to receive a pay- By adopting that more reasoned ap- invest and become more competitive. ment based on what they did in the proach we got back into the debate Sadly the Commission’s proposals year 2000/2001. More importantly there REFORMING THE COMMON AGRICULTURAL POLICY

was no shift of money from direct payments towards targeted support for the MP for South East environment and investment for com- Cambridgeshire since 1987, petitiveness. In short the reform has of Sir James’ 23 years on achieved very little and in the run-up to the front bench 17 were on the next round in 2020 we will still be MAFF/DEFRA issues including having the same stagnant debate. Minister of State for Agriculture and Food 2010-2012. The lesson from all this is engagement at all levels and real priority being given to it ahead of pressing domestic issues. It requires the Treasury to actually see the whole picture rather than simplistic arguments about the rebate and cutting expenditure. They are important but they can be packaged much more effectively in constructive arguments which create the right re- sult rather than just repeating dogma. No-one who has spent so much time in Council of Ministers meetings can fail to see all the shortcomings of the system but unless we actually learn to work the system we cannot achieve the changes we need.

‘In Our Interest: Britain with Europe’, p. 17 THE UK ABROAD

Energy Security in Europe Neil Carmichael MP

Powering Europe Charles Hendry MP

European Defence and our National Interest Sir Peter Luff MP

British Influence in Europe and Beyond Rt. Hon. Sir Richard Ottaway MP

Working Together Abroad Rt. Hon. Sir Malcolm Rifkind KCMG QC MP

www.europeanmainstream.org.uk THE UK ABROAD

www.europeanmainstream.org.uk ENERGY SECURITY IN EUROPE Neil Carmichael MP

This strategy contains within it a striking Impact of Climate Change paradox. To incorporate energy into Energy Commissioner Gunther Oet- the Single Market in order bring about tinger has noted the emerging role of downward pressure on prices and a the Single Market in helping to meet revolution in generation consistent with climate change targets as well as the challenge of climate change, the securing supply. In the same vein, apparatus of the market will need to Climate Change Commissioner Connie be reformed through more cooperation Hedegaard has saluted the EU-level Politics between states and, to some extent, target for renewables. The 2030 frame- The Prime Minister, in promising a increased reliance on EU regulation. work also proposes a new governance referendum on the United Kingdom’s The strategy is, however, also consist- system where plans for energy in terms membership of the European Union, ent with the EU Commission’s existing of competition and supply are drawn also signaled his interest in completing attitude to the clunky nature of the ex- up by Member States with reference to the Single Market through ensuring isting energy market and worries over a common approach. These expressed energy becomes properly competitive excessive reliance on supplies from positions amount to a fledgling attempt and flexible. Energy policy is one of the afar, including Russia’s gas. To reform to create a common energy policy and last preserves of the often once nation- energy as part of the renegotiation do not contradict the Prime Minister’s alised and now normally nationally reg- package requires a more effective Eu- ambitions for energy in a strengthened ulated supply and distribution systems, ropean Union in terms of market reform Single Market although the focus, faltering across Europe without effec- but also increased subsidiarity, so it unsurprisingly in this context, is on tive competition, connectivity and in- is important to understand the drivers technology. novation. Encouragingly, several other behind energy reform. Member States, notably Germany, have indicated interest and even support for this specific direction of travel. Prices to add further complications, national generation in reaction to a combination ENERGY SECURITY IN EUROPE Competition looms large because of taxation policies and consumption of climate change policies and con- the variance of energy prices across levels of energy also impact end-user cerns over supply. A truly open energy Europe. Virtually all energy prices have prices and both of these policy areas market would release more investment increased but some much more than are the responsibility of the state with and stimulate increased competition others, not least because energy prices embedded attitudes. within and between states. This is are determined by the wholesale ele- where the EU could make a really pos- ments – principally generation – and A new approach itive contribution to economic growth the retail elements, characterised by Several responses to this energy through reforms promoted and secured transmission and infrastructure costs. conundrum should be on the table. by the UK. Ensuring customers can easily switch To reform energy as part of supplier, making better use of energy the renegotiation package efficiency technologies, introduce more benchmarking of network costs, Neil was elected in 2010 requires a more effective increasing connectivity between and immediately he started European Union in terms of states, enabling capital investment in work on several key policy infrastructure and generation, and, areas. His interests include market reform but also in- perhaps, above all, paving the way Europe, economics, energy creased subsidiarity for specialisation in generation will all and foreign affairs. In 2013 he contribute to downward pressure on took the Antarctic Act through prices. Parliament, safeguarding both Variations between states are largely the Antarctic environment and produced through fluctuations in whole- Current UK energy policy, formulated in British interests in the area for sale prices against different trends in the shadow of becoming a net importer future generations. retail performance. To develop a useful of energy ever since 2004, is already competition policy, the component reflecting these priorities. Furthermore, parts of energy must be disaggregated many Member States are, increasingly, and, where necessary, liberalised. But, making strategic choices about energy

‘In Our Interest: Britain with Europe’, p. 21 POWERING EUROPE Charles Hendry MP

It also provides a forum for address- gas was still being pumped OUT of the ing in a constructive way some of the UK in order to help deal with shortages issues that could potentially be most of supply a thousand miles away. divisive, and high on that list is energy.

Energy is not an area of EU compe- The UK led Europe in tence; it remains a policy area that is set at Member State level. Yet some opening up its energy As a Minister sitting at the table in of the most important benefits to the markets and allowing Brussels for a meeting of EU Ministers, energy security of the EU as a whole it is hard not to marvel that all those have been driven by the European freer competition countries are there at all. Commission.

In my lifetime, most of the countries in In energy terms, the UK is no longer However, for consumers the focus is the EU have been dictatorships – either an island – we are closely connected often less on long-term security than within the former Soviet Union, as fas- to mainland Europe through gas and on the price of gas and electricity cist dictatorships in Spain and Portu- electricity interconnectors. In the winter today. The UK led Europe in opening gal, or a military regime in Greece. Yet of 2008-9, the UK faced a near crisis up its energy markets and allowing within a generation, they have moved in its gas supplies, not because of freer competition. Many European to be democracies in the world’s most something that was happening on our countries have been resistant to such powerful trading block. No economic own doorstep, but because of the gas change – millions of consumers in the price can be put on the role the EU has dispute between Russia and Ukraine. UK get their electricity from French or played in locking these countries into a Supplies to countries in eastern Europe German companies, but no consumers democratic process. via Ukraine were disrupted and even in France or Germany get theirs from though we had a cold spell of our own, British companies. POWERING EUROPE

The EU’s Third Energy package is a big step forward in opening up markets Charles Hendry is MP for to competition. It will drive the opening Wealden. He was Energy up of those markets in a way that will Minister from 2010-12 and benefit consumers across Europe and Shadow Energy Minister from it could never have happened without 2005-10, holding the portfolio the overriding objectives of the Single for longer than anyone else. Market. He is currently the Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Of course, there will always be areas the Caspian and a Visiting where we are less keen to see involve- Professor at the University of ment (such as the proposed Regulation Edinburgh. on offshore drilling, which could have undermined our own safety regime had it not been changed) but energy in Europe is more secure today because of the strategic actions the EU has facilitated, and that must be good for consumers and businesses alike.

‘In Our Interest: Britain with Europe’, p. 23 EUROPEAN DEFENCE AND OUR NATIONAL INTEREST

Sir Peter Luff MP

Commission which the UK should wel- That said, many states use the Article 346 come and even champion. We have a exemption to protect their industries rather clear national interest in creating as am- than to protect their national security. The bitious a Single Market as possible for UK, with a large range of industries sup- defence equipment and services, encour- plying the defence market at home and aged by the 2009 directive on defence abroad, and with a significant number of and security procurement, and now in- SMEs, stands to gain economically from a corporated into law in every EU Member more open defence market in Europe. State. The European Union should not acquire a As Jay Edwards of Chatham House wrote defence identity - but continuing member- We must be clear - there will remain a in 2011, the aim of the directive ship of the EU is profoundly in the interests wide range of defence equipment and of our security and our defence industries. services that will need to be met exclu- “... is to facilitate the development of an sively by United Kingdom companies and EU defence equipment market that will Our national defence requirements should nationals, to maintain both our operational increase industrial competition, reduce continue to be met through NATO, through advantage and freedom of action. The duplication and lower prices.” strategic alliances with countries that same will be true for other Member States. share common ambitions and under- On the other hand, I suspect that we will standings, through occasional “coalitions There is, therefore, a continuing need for need to be particularly vigilant to protect of the willing” and, where necessary, the celebrated Article 346 exemption to our ability to sustain capabilities. We have through unilateral action. The creation of protect the UK’s vital national interest. already accepted that many items of ad- new mechanisms or structures would be a The market for defence equipment and vanced equipment such as fast jets can costly diversion and add nothing to na- services is not just another market to only be procured in international collab- tional security. be integrated fully into the EU’s general orations, but their sustainment in time of Single Market. Liberalisation can only be conflict is a vital national requirement. So, So must the UK be the country that says accepted as far as it does no damage to although the UK should generally press “no” on all matters of European defence? our national security. for service liberalisation, it must be much In fact there is an important role for the EUROPEAN DEFENCE AND OUR NATIONAL INTEREST more cautious when it comes to defence must put our national security first and as prime contractors. A strong focus support services. robustly oppose proposals that would on the needs of SMEs must therefore compromise it. feature in all aspects of any part of EU We should, though, be concerned that policy. the Commission, wrongly, seems to The essence of the Commission’s en- be developing ambitions to extend its gagement with defence acquisition In summary, I believe through the intel- powers to direct decisions in defence should be to enforce current rules and ligent application of Article 346 chal- procurement. to enable pan-European coopera- lenge, through an appropriate competition on major projects. The European tion policy, and through the mechanism Defence Agency can play a significant of the EDA, we see the right structure We have a clear national role here, both in identifying areas of for EU engagement in defence acqui- interest in creating as capability shortfalls where European sition. A modest, incremental approach collaboration can help the security of is needed to ensure effective competi- ambitious a Single Market the region, and sustaining industrial tion and nothing more. as possible for defence entities of sufficient scale to compete with the US giants. Declining or at equipment and services best stable defence budgets around Europe mean it is unlikely that national Sir Peter Luff was elected champions of the traditional kind can Member of Parliament However, while a more robust ap- be sustained. The missed opportunity for Worcester in 1992 proach to Article 346 infringements to achieve the merger of EADS (now and has been MP for Mid may occasionally cause the UK some Airbus) and BAE Systems must illus- Worcestershire since 1997. challenge, but overall it should bring trate the perils of nationalism. He was Chairman of the greater opportunities for UK companies Business, Innovation and Skills as they gain access to contracts that On the other hand, as defence looks Committee from 2005-10 and would not otherwise have been open to more and more to innovative solu- Minster for Defence Equipment, them. The UK needs to advocate a nu- tions from non-traditional suppliers, Support and Technology from anced approach to these issues from defence procurement policy must be 2010-12. the Commission but, ultimately, we as concerned with the needs of SMEs

‘In Our Interest: Britain with Europe’, p. 25 BRITISH INFLUENCE IN EUROPE AND BEYOND Rt. Hon. Sir Richard Ottaway MP

“military and diplomatic clout is un- matched by other European nations”. As a leading member But it works both ways. In a world where countries are increasingly band- of the diplomatic ing together to have a stronger hand at the negotiating table, we cannot stand power-houses from alone. Our diplomatic leverage is far better secured from within the EU – as the UN to the G8 A European issue I feel strongly a leading voice in the world’s wealthi- and NATO, we about, with my hat as chairman of the est trading block of 500 million people. Foreign Affairs Select Committee, is the President Obama reiterated America’s currently wield a importance of our membership of the long-standing support of our member- EU to maintain our diplomatic influence ship of the EU earlier this year when he disproportionate in the world. told Cameron he “values a strong UK in a strong European Union”. influence on world As a leading member of the diplomatic power-houses from the UN to the G8 Cameron’s Bloomberg speech gave affairs and NATO, we currently wield a dis- us a course of action which recognises proportionate influence on world affairs British Euroscepticism but keeps us Competencies Review (to inform the when you consider our population size at the table using our influence. The shape of a relationship with the EU that of just 63 million people. A British exit promise of a referendum in 2017, under will benefit the UK), there will also be from the EU today would diminish the a Conservative government, presents a major change across Europe to en- EU’s diplomatic reach, especially with real opportunity and we have to seize sure the survival of the Eurozone. In the USA. This is something Herman van it with both hands. However, while we light of that, we should also be asking Rompuy recognises, saying the UK’s await the outcome of the Balance of the question: is the ‘core’ of Europe is BRITISH INFLUENCE IN EUROPE AND BEYOND

committed to ensuring the survival of a multi-tiered Europe; or is it willing to sacrifice that wider, more heterogene- ous union on the altar of a single cur- rency? It is in our diplomatic interests to work with our European partners to ensure the former outcome prevails.

Sir Richard was first elected to Parliament in 1983 and has now represented Croydon South since 1992. He has previously been Shadow Secretary of State for the Environment and Vice-Chair of the Conservative Party, and is currently the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee.

‘In Our Interest: Britain with Europe’, p. 27 WORKING TOGETHER ABOARD Rt. Hon. Sir Malcolm Rifkind MP

the other. Our relationship with the Some worry that as a member of the United States is a very good example European Union Britain is inevitably of this. It does not depend on member- going to be drawn towards conced- ship of the EU, but leverage in Brussels ing a single foreign policy shared with gives us leverage in Washington, and all the other Member States. I do not vice versa. The same principle applies believe that is likely in the foreseeable to many countries across the world. future. As the members of the Eurozone The US would like a strong British voice are discovering, you cannot have a full In 1996, as Foreign Secretary, I pub- in Europe, and it is a pipedream to monetary union without accepting a lished A Partnership of Nations, a White imagine that the United States would much greater degree of political feder- Paper outlining the British approach t o welcome the UK leaving the EU and ation and shared sovereignty than was, the EU intergovernmental conference harnessing its destiny to that of the previously, acknowledged. In the same of that year. It stated that ‘the European United States. way, a single foreign policy cannot be Union is not the only framework within achieved in a vacuum. which we pursue our political and com- Where there is unity on mercial interests, but it is central to our As long as the Member States of the success.’ That remains the case today. policy, deriving from shared EU consider themselves to be sover- objectives, it is very much eign states, control their own armed Some argue that our interests are bet- forces and make their own ultimate ter served by pursuing bilateral ties in the interests of the decisions on war and peace, a single - especially with emerging markets - United Kingdom to use the foreign policy cannot be achieved. instead. But having to decide between formidable weight of the That is not just the view of the United focusing on bilateral relationships or on Kingdom. It is shared by France, by multilateral institutions is a false choice: European Union Germany, by Sweden, by Poland, and if you neglect one, you are neglecting almost all other Member States. Not having a single foreign policy does sense. It is worth remembering that not, however, rule out a common for- successive British Governments, unlike eign policy in the significant number of the French, have never had any qualms areas where the national interests of the or scruples about accepting the supra United Kingdom and those of other EU national powers and limitations of sov- states happen to coincide. We already ereignty inherent in our being full mem- have such a common policy in regard bers of the NATO Alliance. Like NATO, to the efforts to dissuade Iran from the European Union is part, though only pursuing nuclear weapon aspirations. part, of our foreign and defence policy. Our positions are very close on Israel- We need have no difficulties with that. Palestine issues and the same can be said as regards many other regions of the world. Sir Malcolm Rifkind is Where there is unity on policy, deriv- Member of Parliament for ing from shared objectives, it is very Kensington and a former much in the interests of the United Defence Secretary and Foreign Kingdom to use the formidable weight Secretary. He is the Chairman of the European Union to drive those of the Intelligence and Security policies. It would be foolish to allow our Committee of Parliament. legitimate scepticism about European integration to prevent us working with European colleagues where it makes

‘In Our Interest: Britain with Europe’, p. 29 BRITAIN WITH EUROPE

The European Veto Bringing Democracy Back to Europe Rt. Hon. Sir Tony Baldry MP Ben Gummer MP

Reform – I’ve Done It ‘Greedy for Britain’ - EU Plus Richard Benyon MP Laura Sandys MP

An Argument for Europe Better Off IN Rt. Hon. Alistair Burt MP Rt. Hon. Caroline Spelman MP

Leading in Europe Rt. Hon. Stephen Dorrell MP

Managing Migration Tobias Ellwood MP

www.europeanmainstream.org.uk BRITAIN WITH EUROPE

www.europeanmainstream.org.uk THE EUROPEAN VETO Rt. Hon. Sir Tony Baldry MP

Those of us who have been around In this way Margaret Thatcher recog- for some time know that we have been nised that it would make it much more here before. difficult for other EU Member States to Prior to the Single European Act every obstruct the development of the Single EU Member State had the ability to veto Market. any EU legislation that they considered to be contrary to their national interest. Most people living in the UK see the Single Market as being the largest There have been calls that Parliament The consequence was that EU coun- benefit of EU membership to Britain, should be given the power to veto tries tended to veto any legislation that and it would seem somewhat perverse, every aspect of European Union law. they considered would be against the after all these years, to go back to a specific trade interests of a particular of system of absolute national vetoes, Calls that the House of Commons their economy. which would almost certainly frustrate should be given power to block the continuing deepening and develop- every and any piece of any new EU It meant that it was impossible for ment of the Single Market. legislation. Europe to benefit from its greatest potential prize – that of a large single No one disagrees that the UK’s present It would, of course, follow that if the trading market. relationship with the European Union is UK Government and Parliament were not working and needs to change. going to be given the power to veto It was for this reason that no less a every aspect of every EU law, then Prime Minister than Margaret Thatcher Moreover, the UK – which is not in the that power would also be given to the signed up and agreed to the Single Eurozone – needs to develop a new Governments and Parliaments of every European Act, which replaced national and different relationship with those other EU Member State. vetoes with a general system of quali- countries that are in the Eurozone. fied majority voting. This is why, very sensibly, the Prime good money that the Labour Party at membership of the European Union. THE EUROPEAN VETO Minister has made it clear that he is least prior to the General Election will committed to seeking a new settlement support the Conservative Party’s posi- The reality is that only the Prime for Britain in Europe and then putting tion on a Referendum on the European Minister’s plans can fix our relationship that new settlement to the British peo- Union. with the European Union to deliver ple in an ‘in out’ referendum by the end greater powers to the UK Parliament of 2017. I suspect they will do so as soon as the over EU decisions. Moreover, only Referendum in Scotland is resolved. the Prime Minister and a Conservative If National Parliaments through- Party are committed to giving the out the European Union were I think the simple fact is that the Labour British people their say on our future in simply able to pick and choose Party can only manage to talk about Europe in an ‘in out’ referendum. one Referendum campaign at a time! which bits of European law they would apply and which points Under the new settlement the Prime The Rt. Hon. Sir Tony they would not, then the Eu- Minister is seeking, he has made it Baldry has been Member clear that there should be more pow- of Parliament for Banbury ropean Single Market simply ers for National Parliaments, more ac- for over thirty years, having would not work countability of the European Union to been elected in the 1983 National Parliaments and greater power General Election. He was I am one of the sponsors on the face over EU decisions. a Minister for eight years, of the EU Referendum Bill introduced appointed to Government by into the Commons by James Wharton However, if National Parliaments Margaret Thatcher and then and which passed all its Stages in the throughout the European Union were served in the Conservative House of Commons late last year. simply able to pick and choose which Government throughout John bits of European law they would apply Major’s premiership. Sir Tony For reasons that I fail to understand the and which points they would not, then was knighted for political and EU Referendum Bill appears to being the European Single Market simply public services in the Queen’s opposed by Labour and Liberal MPs. would not work and we would have Birthday Honours in 2012. However, I would be prepared to bet lost one of the greatest benefits of our

‘In Our Interest: Britain with Europe’, p. 33 REFORM – I’VE DONE IT Richard Benyon MP

every EU institution. This was not of excellent working between us the case. The Commissioner at and key allies such as Germany, the time, Joe Borg, told me the the Netherlands and Scandina- CFP was “a disaster”. When I vian countries. The UK was at the came into the Ministerial role his heart of these negotiations many successor, Maria Damanaki, was of which went through the night. no less scathing. Where there was During the tortuous process that You can reform the EU. I know, resistance was in the Council of took about three years, I still had I’ve done it. OK, it was only one Ministers. It is lazy to describe the to negotiate our annual quotas area of EU competence but the blockers to reform as the southern under the old system. This saw Common Fisheries Policy was the states and the pro-reformers as me in a Brussels room at 3 o’clock totemic example of EU failure. in the morning discussing mesh Over its lifetime we have seen fish The “Common” part sizes of nets used by fishermen stocks plummet, fewer fishermen targeting haddock off the north and degraded coastal commu- of the CFP is not what west of Scotland. This was a sce- nities. This was because a too was the problem, it was nario which if Kafka had written rigid one-size-fits-all system of it you would have thought, “hang management was imposed from a the” Policy” part. on, he’s gone a bit far this time”. centralised bureaucracy. It spurred me on to deliver a When I came into the job as northerners but it is not a million meaningful reform that left such shadow Fisheries Minister I ex- miles off the truth. What worked decisions to local fishermen and pected opposition to reform from in the end was the combination scientists rather than politicians REFORM – I’VE DONE IT

and officials who are remote from driving the reform agenda. There the realities of fishing. were times that tested my belief in the EU’s ability to reform itself but To cut a long story short, we got we got there in the end. agreement to a new CFP which localises decision making, ends the unacceptable discarding of perfectly edible fish and which Richard Benyon has been the sees a legally binding commitment MP for Newbury since 2005. for all states to fish sustainably. He was Minister for the Natural This was achieved despite over Environment and Fisheries between 2010 and 2013. He is 3000 amendments, most of them a qualified Chartered Surveyor anti-reform, in the EU Parliament and outside Parliament he is a and the complications created by farmer and conservationist the Lisbon Treaty and co-decision. The Tri-logue process was helped by having a dynamic presidency in the form of the Irish Minister Simon Coveney, a determined Commissioner and countries like the UK supporting them and

‘In Our Interest: Britain with Europe’, p. 35 AN ARGUMENT FOR EUROPE Rt. Hon. Alistair Burt MP

accompanying tensions of inequality a negligible gain. and movements of people from poor to rich countries, and sophisticated terror And whilst the imperatives flowing from from non state actors has replaced the WW2 may have faded, the UK should threat from conventional forces. never lose sight of just what this, and the fall of the Berlin Wall meant to the But the world is making progress, and I peoples of Europe. We have no con- believe the EU has played it’s part. ception of how the memory of ‘occu- If all goes well, my political career pation’ was seared on the memory: we should span two referenda on Europe. I was 21 in 1975. The vote for Europe dismiss the arguments on behalf of the I accept I’m fortunate to have voted was associated by my generation with EU’s role in this at our peril. at all, and believe it is a good time to hope and aspiration, inspired by those make the argument for Europe again. not too much older who had seen their continent destroyed amidst unspeak- We are not going to Much has changed since 1975. The able wickedness, and a resolve ‘never world, and Europe, has got much again’, a phrase so much now discred- be a United States wealthier, as tariff barriers have fallen, ited in so many other areas, but not in and globalization has changed the relation to war between states in West- of Europe. We don’t nature of what business we do, and ern Europe. The politics of the EU, to- need to be, and it’s how. The world, and Europe, has got gether with the hard-headedness of the safer, through a combination of political NATO alliance, has succeeded where not just the British will, and the end of the Iron Curtain with so many had failed in the past. The its nuclear standoff. Problems undoubt- peace of Europe may be discounted by who see this. edly remain in both areas; economic a generation fortunately untouched by success is not spread evenly with the horrors of the past, but it is far from But the argument about the future will It is a debate within the EU we are well in every sense. A pride in being British AN ARGUMENT FOR EUROPE not be made decisively by the origins placed to lead. If we had not been so and European, and ensuring the talents of the EU. Vision and aspiration in the timid in the past, if worrying about our of the one make a success of the other, UK on the issue have been replaced by domestic politics and the impact of Eu- should not be beyond a successful na- the essential nitty-gritty of life, and peo- rope upon them had not held back suc- tion which has forever in its existence ple will need reminding that the work- cessive Governments, we would have looked beyond its own shores and ings of the Single Market benefit them, found ourselves leading many states contributed so much to the world. that the free movement of people’s is to a new reformed Europe combining for them and their children as one gen- greater flexibility with the benefits of a eration seeks to work in a huge skilled structure which held all within it. market, and another seeks retirement Rt. Hon. Alistair Burt MP where they choose, not where place That should be our aim, a Conservative entered Parliament for the first of birth, however wonderful, confines aim, to commit ourselves to working for time in 1983 for Bury North them. a political Europe which recognizes the and since 2001 has been the needs of sovereign states within a Eu- Member of Parliament for North And the EU needs to change ac- rope looking outward and not inwards, East Bedfordshire. Following a cordingly. The blueprint of the 1950’s and an economic Europe which builds lengthy and varied front bench cannot uniquely be all seeing in a on what we have achieved together career in both Government European context, as others need re- in terms of production, quality, value and Opposition, Alistair was lentless change and adaptation. We added and a base for the best in the Parliamentary Under Secretary are not going to be a United States of world to make a home here with all the of State at the Foreign & Europe. We don’t need to be, and it’s jobs and livelihoods which that entails. Commonwealth Office May not just the British who see this. We 2010 – October 2013 have proved that sovereignty does not And I hope there will be space for vi- inevitably give way to the nationalism of sion too. Our children experience an the past, and that being separate but Internet beyond borders, commerce together actually works. without boundaries and a diversity of culture within their own shores, within a continent to which they are connected

‘In Our Interest: Britain with Europe’, p. 37 LEADING IN EUROPE Stephen Dorrell MP

everyone agrees on the precise formula the EU we are arguing the familiar case for change. Why should we expect that for a more flexible and outward looking to be the case? It never is. economic culture which recognizes that our living standards rest on our But consider the counterfactual. How competitiveness in global markets. many Italians think everything is working perfectly? Or French citizens? Or But we are also recognizing that what Spaniards? happens on the continent always has David Cameron’s European policy is had, and always will have a direct ef- very simple. First we need to work with The evidence is compelling that the EU fect on our lives. Isolationism doesn’t our partners to improve the effective- is not changing quickly enough and work. ness of the European institutions and that continued failure to do so will im- then we need to renew their mandate peril European living standards – and by demonstrating that they still com- therefore European social and political We should be proud of mand public confidence. stability. the fact that it is only Both elements of that policy are The key point, however, is that Britain the Conservatives who important. has a vital national interest is ensuring that this necessary process of change are willing to face the Despite repeated assertions in some is undertaken. quarters to the contrary, there is a deci- truth about Europe sive majority within Europe which rec- There is, in reality, no “drawbridge” ognizes that the EU needs to change. option. That doesn’t mean the case for change Continental Europe is the second rich- wins unanimous endorsement, or that In arguing the case for change within est market place in the world and it is 22 miles away. The biggest external necessary reform and then explain It is an old Tory policy – indeed it is at LEADING IN EUROPE influence on the performance of the to the voters how the reformed struc- the heart of the Tory tradition. UK economy is the performance of its tures will facilitate improved economic customers on the continent; under- performance. In the words of Randolph Churchill – performance in Europe creates strong we trust the people. headwinds for the UK economy which And we should be proud of the fact undermines living standards and im- that it is only the Conservatives who are perils social cohesion in the UK. willing to face the truth about Europe.

When we argue the case for improved Labour and Liberal Democrats shy European competitiveness we are not away from necessary change and are Stephen has been a intervening in the politics of another unwilling to confront difficult truths. Conservative Member of country; we are securing our core They prefer to muddle through. Parliament since 1979, first national interest in the success of our representing Loughborough customers and partners. The UKIP solution is remarkably similar. and then Charnwood. He They also imagine a world of easy an- served as Financial Secretary But David Cameron’s policy is not just swers where no difficult decisions are to the Treasury, Secretary of about improved performance in Eu- necessary because they are in denial State for National Heritage and rope. It is also about securing a deci- about the modern world. Secretary of State for Health sive vote in the UK in favour of contin- in the Major Government, ued EU membership. David Cameron will tell the people returning to the backbenches uncomfortable truths about Europe and from the Shadow Cabinet in We don’t seek that vote now, because then he will set out to address them. 1998. From 2006-07 he was we agree with the European majority Co-Chair of the Public Service that the structures need to change. And when he has done so he will seek Improvement Group, and since We shouldn’t defend the current their support in an in-out referendum in June 2010 has Chaired the structures because that would be to order to secure the British majority for a Health Select Committee align ourselves with the opponents of realistic view of the world. European reform. We should secure

‘In Our Interest: Britain with Europe’, p. 39 MANAGING MIGRATION Tobias Ellwood MP

reputation as a business location of Indeed, in the absence of any home- choice. the perception would prevail grown candidates, on more than one (indeed be promoted by other compet- occasion we invited a (royal) migrant to ing countries) that Britain, is not open lead the country. for Business. Since the war European security has Conversely, Labour’s ‘open door’ improved and Britain has prospered approach to migration (seemingly thanks to expanding trade links with Migration is a sensitive subject at any supported by the Lib Dems) has had Europe. We have championed the case time but the recent of transition ar- a dramatic impact on Britain. Fuelled for bringing nations which languished rangements with Bulgaria and Romania not just by Blair ignoring the right to behind the Iron Curtain into NATO and has seen battle lines drawn between impose a seven-year entry ban on new the EU. And we have been one of the the ‘little Englanders’ with a seemingly EU Member States but also (still not creators and strongest supporters of isolationist, anti-EU approach and the fully appreciated), allowing twice as a Single Market. It’s in our interests for ‘Open Doorites’ justifying an over reli- many entrants arriving as from non-EU our citizens and businesses to have ance on migrants to keep Britain work- countries. full and free access in other European ing and remain internationally competi- countries. tive on the left. As with most arguments Britain today is the product of a rich of the extremes, common sense lies legacy of (voluntary and occasion- It’s the sheer scale that distinguishes somewhere in the middle. ally involuntary) immigration; from the today’s migratory flows with our past. Angles, Jutes and Norsemen in the Over one million Eastern Europeans The unintended consequence of pro- dark ages to the Normans, Jews and entering Britain in the last decade moting radical solutions such as leav- Huguenots in the middle ages, Ital- dwarfs any previous spikes in migra- ing the EU, will diminish British influ- ians and Irishman in the 1800′s and tion – ever. Once here, the ease in ence abroad and Britain’s international more recently: Caribbean and Asians. which migrants found work was another Labour clanger. Thanks to the dog’s should legislate against new entrants Sensible immigration policy should MANAGING MIGRATION breakfast of our benefits system which gaining full access to other labour mar- not be determined by fear or knee jerk meant Britons who gained part time kets until their own economic fortunes responses that might damage our inter- employment ended up worse off. A are growing. Britain, with its increasing national standing. It should be rational, generation was effectively un-inspired ability to influence the EU agenda and controlled, and in the interests of those to work, creating a skills gap quickly lobby behind the scenes (South Korea who already live here, whilst also pro- filled by migrant workers. In the five trade deal, T-TIP, first ever reduction in viding an illustration that Britain is very years leading up to the economic down EU budget, EU patent agreement – all much open for business. turn, more than 90 per cent of new jobs British-led), is well placed to call for went to foreign nationals. such change.

Thanks to this Government, past errors Tobias is the Member of Leaving the EU will diminish (such as erroneous student visa appli- Parliament for Bournemouth British influence abroad cations and sham marriage applica- East. Elected in 2005, he tions) are being rectified. Immigration became shadow Culture and Britain’s international from outside the EU is at its lowest Minister before serving reputation as a business level for 14 years. The previously dys- as Parliamentary Private functional Border Agency has been Secretary to the Rt. Hon location of choice upgraded making it easier to deport Liam Fox MP, the Rt. Hon offenders and requiring those staying David Lidington MP and most European Migration is now the EU’s longer than 6 months to pay a visa recently the Rt Hon Jeremy Achilles Heel. It must wake up to these surcharge to cover any NHS costs. And Hunt MP, Secretary of State migratory flows. Out of date practices as recently announced by the Prime for Health. He is a member of governing EU expansion mean dis- Minster, the welfare system will not the Parliamentary Delegation parity between new Member States’ be accessible to migrants for the first to the NATO Assembly and income per head and existing states three months- and then only for a max- Parliamentary Advisor to the Pr results in many abandoning their own imum of six months, unless they can ime Minister for the 2014 NATO country for a richer one. This is not in prove they have a genuine prospect of Summit. the spirit of the Single Market – the EU employment.

‘In Our Interest: Britain with Europe’, p. 41 BRINGING DEMOCRACY BACK TO EUROPE Ben Gummer MP

colleagues, I doubt one in a hundred happens to them, not something they people in her constituency would rec- have enough of a say over’. ognize her name, let alone her face. Even if they did, I doubt any more would know what the purpose of an This is the modern MEP was or what their powers might be. tragedy of the European Union: Over the next few months I will be How can we expect people to have campaigning, heart and soul, for Vicky faith in an increasingly powerful institu- popular dislike of its Ford and her fellow Conservative MEP tion when they have no idea who rep- candidates in the European Parlia- resents them there and what it does? structures negates mentary elections. But I am doing so This rupture between Europe and the with an immense amount of frustration. people lies at the heart of what David widespread popular Vicky is an exceptional MEP: she has Lidington has correctly described as ‘a support for the reasons won campaigns across the Eastern Re- crisis of democracy’ in the Union. gion, bringing infrastructure spending why it exists. from Brussels, working on complicated This crisis is a greater threat to the border issues with me, and fighting like future of the European Union than any a tigress for the UK financial services other issue on which a Conservative Those who believe that constitutional industry in committee after turgid com- government might seek renegotiation tinkering, such as giving more powers mittee. The woman deserves a medal. before 2017. Popular support for EU to the European Parliament, miss the membership is tenuous precisely be- point. Although most people agree But despite the fact that Vicky is as en- cause, as William Hague put it, ‘peo- that we should co-operate with our ergetic as the best of my parliamentary ple feel that Europe is something that European neighbours, very few feel BRINGING DEMOCRACY BACK TO EUROPE

an affinity or allegiance to European Second, we should stop the pretence institutions. This is the modern tragedy of a single European demos. Member Ben was elected as Member of the European Union: popular dislike States should be free to decide who, of Parliament for Ipswich in of its structures negates widespread how and when they send represent- May 2010. He is Parliamentary popular support for the reasons why it atives to the European Parliament to Private Secretary to Rt Hon. exists. scrutinize legislation on their constitu- Michael Gove MP, Secretary ents’ behalf. Were Vicky Ford a mem- of State for Education. How, then, to reverse William Hague’s ber of the UK Parliament but delegated dilemma, so that people feel they have to go to Brussels, on a dual mandate democratic control over the European as it used to be, I can guarantee she Union, one whose ideals they might – in would find greater recognition for her the abstract – support? efforts there on behalf of her constitu- ents in the east of England. First, we should empower the national political leaders over whom voters Both of these proposals are radical. have closest control. If it were clear A crisis demands, however, a radical that it was the prime minister, with his response. Only a Conservative Prime colleagues in the Council, who was Minister can deliver reform like this. initiating European-wide legislation, not an unelected Commission, the line of power and accountability would immediately become more clear. Poor legislation would become his responsibility, therefore, and he would be held accountable for it.

‘In Our Interest: Britain with Europe’, p. 43 ‘GREEDY FOR BRITAIN’ - EU PLUS Laura Sandys MP

of Europe’ as a stated policy would be Europe too. Let’s not forget that the the first time in modern history that the EU has been shaped by the UK. It was UK’s aim would be to diminish its influ- Britain that led the way on the Single ence in Europe – an extraordinary re- Market and on Enlargement, and it was treat from our national interest. this Government that mapped out plans to protect Member States remaining In comparison, it is the Euro-realists outside the eurozone, secured the first who are truly fighting for the future of ever cut in the EU Budget, and set out Britain – we are the real ‘toughies’ on a modern, competitive reform agenda Europe is the issue that reverses all Europe. We are the ones who find mar- for the EU. stereotypes across the political spec- ginalisation at the fringes of Europe trum. It turns the tough into the de- unacceptable and undesirable. We are The British people are feated, while making the most robust the patriots prepared to fight our corner of patriots appear uncertain, even and win on behalf of the British people. worth more than UKIP’s nervous on the world stage. ‘Better off Out-ers’ appear fearful of negotiating None of us are under any illusions that MINUS strategy – they abroad, unable to succeed in getting one-on-one relationships are easy – deserve EU PLUS the rest their way, and instead choose to loudly never mind with 27 partners. No one ‘beat their retreat’. should think that it is straight forward to of the world. achieve what you want in this multi-di- UKIP wraps itself in historical mantels, mensional game of chess. Yet we have We must not delude ourselves either paradoxically referencing our great a great and substantiated reputation that other international organisations do history of engaging with the rest of as an influential player on the world not come with serious responsibilities the world as an excuse for withdrawal stage, taking a lead in shaping interna- as well. We herald NATO as the per- from our near abroad. However, ‘Out tional organisations – and that includes fect ‘Tory’ organisation, but it would be interesting to explain on the doorstep For my part I am greedy for the UK, not that if Turkey is invaded by Syria the cautious – I want EU PLUS. I want the Laura Sandys MP is the NATO treaty agreement could require 500 million customers that the EU offers Conservative Member of British men and women to defend their PLUS new trading partners and new Parliament for South Thanet borders. I’m not sure that even the export opportunities from across the and the Convenor of European most committed supporter of NATO globe. This is not a zero-sum game – in Mainstream. In Parliament, would want to put that to the public an increasingly competitive world we Laura was first appointed to the test. Serious actors in foreign affairs must go for everything. The British peo- Energy and Climate Change recognise that nothing worthwhile in the ple are worth more than UKIP’s MINUS Select Committee and, until big wide world of international agree- strategy – they deserve EU PLUS the recently, was the Parliamentary ment comes free. Before we run for rest of the world. Private Secretary to Greg the European exit we need to properly Barker MP, Minister for Climate weigh up the alternatives. Those who Some people have a disappointingly Change. She is currently want to do a ‘runner’ claim that the defeatist attitude to the UK’s status on focused on consumer policy, world is about to open their doors to the world stage – we need to persuade energy security, the green our goods and services and that our our colleagues and the public that economy and our relationship influence will increase. I would love to Britain is not a downtrodden country in with the European Union. see evidence of how easy it will be to Europe, but a leading reformer whose swap our “disastrous” relationship with voice and interests are frequently dom- Europe for such a harmonious set of inant. We need have no identity crisis alliances with every other country – as about our membership of Europe or long as they are not European! feel that we are in any way diminished by sitting at the top table of the largest If you are really a ruthless, self-inter- trading bloc in the world. We just have ested hotshot then you want to be at a lot of work ahead to help shape a every top table of every membership new and ambitious Europe that shares organisation that you are able to be a our optimistic, confident and outward part of. You do not want to back away looking attitude and delivers true bene- from those that seem a bit tough to fits to the British people. deal with!

‘In Our Interest: Britain with Europe’, p. 45 BETTER OFF IN Rt. Hon. Caroline Spelman MP

admittedly reveals a lack of enthusi- Malta is not being fined, because it has asm for this organ of democracy. As a so few polluting cars. Everyone wants nation, we do make our own choices better air quality, but laws begin to look within the EU. We chose not to join the ridiculous if they are largely impracti- eurozone, which worked out well for us. cable. However, even outside of the EU, we would have to draw up rules I am no starry-eyed Europhile. The EU between neighbouring nations. as an authoritative body is certainly The campaign to leave the EU is tak- cumbersome and sometimes ineffi- ing shape. But so is the plan to keep us cient. A single item on an agenda can With reform, that I in. The Prime Minister has declared his alone take over two hours at the nego- believe is achievable, commitment to renegotiate our terms tiation table, as each Member nation of membership, and reform the EU in feels they should state its view,[relevant the EU can benefit the process. Last year, he succeeded or not]. I am sure any Minister who where no other British PM has done, by has endured this would agree that us all hugely. What capping the EU budget. there must be a better way to make decisions. I also believe there is huge motivates me more I disagree with the argument that we scope for reform, as some of the Rules than anything else to need to leave because the EU is fun- my predecessors signed us up to are damentally undemocratic. It is certainly frankly either duplicate or unworkable. fight to stay in the EU not true since the European Parliament There is a tendency for Ministers to was given the power of co-decision agree to new rules that we cannot be is simply for the sake with the Council and the Commission. seen to be against. Take the Air Quality of jobs We do elect our MEPs, even though directive, which 27 out of 28 Member the poor turnout for these elections States are unable to comply with. Only BETTER OFF IN

The UK does have experience of re- 139,000 jobs in the car industry de- pealing law from which other EU states pend directly or indirectly on our mem- Caroline was elected Member could subsequently benefit. As Environ- bership, and we should not be putting of Parliament for Meriden in ment Secretary, I successfully removed them at risk. 1997. Following the General almost half of the Regulations on the Election in 2010, she was Department’s books as obsolete, which The idea of returning to a mythical appointed as the Secretary of saved business hassle and money in autonomy as an isolationist state has State for Environment, Food the process. What we need is a new to be challenged by the reality that we and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and EU Commissioner with the zeal to strip have always had more influence by held that appointment until out EU rules that are no longer fit for building alliances, and a trade alliance 2012. Caroline is currently a purpose, rather than introduce new is the best guarantee for jobs. Vice President of Tearfund, a ones as an attempt to leave a legacy. member of the Joint Committee on Modern Day Slavery, a With reform, that I believe is achieva- member of Net Positive, ble, the EU can benefit us all hugely. Kingfisher and a member of What motivates me more than anything GLOBE International. else to fight to stay in the EU is simply for the sake of jobs, especially for future generations. When 50% of our trade is with the other 27 countries of the EU, why on earth would we leave? For the first time in our history, 82% of the cars we produce are exported, with half of those going to EU countries.

‘In Our Interest: Britain with Europe’, p. 47 Follow us on Twitter at: @EU_Mainstream