That’s what the Leave Campaign told us, right? If only we could exit the European Union, all our problems would be solved.
Ten years after the 2016 Referendum, the dire consequences unleashed by the UK’s departure from the EU are plain to see.
So, let’s not rehearse any more tired arguments. Instead, let’s talk about our values and our hopes for the future. What relationship do we want with our European neighbours?
Most people would agree that we want collaboration, shared security and shared prosperity.
This Labour Government has already made great progress in resetting our relationship with the EU. Last May’s UK-EU Strategic Partnership marked a new era of sensible politics.
It is wonderful that the UK will be joining the Erasmus+ programme. Erasmus promotes not only educational exchanges but also work, training and sport.
It will help young people from all backgrounds to gain new experiences, learn a new language and challenge themselves.
We owe it to our young people and to the whole country to ensure that the UK can be a centre of excellence for education and training.
The new partnership also includes an agreement to work towards making agri-food trade easier.
The Government estimates that this will add £9 billion to the UK economy in the long term. Ultimately, this will help in our fight against food poverty by bringing down food prices for families across the country.
As the partnership continues, the Government should also look at what more we can do to support our creative industries.
We need specific commitments on touring to allow artists to travel visa free and to carry their instruments and equipment without prohibitive bureaucracy.
Finally, to realise our full potential on tackling global challenges like climate change, the UK needs to play a full part in the EU’s Horizon Research Programme.
Nothing says more about who we are and our place in the world than our relationship with our closest neighbours.
The new UK-EU Strategic Partnership is a great start, but there’s lots more to do. Let’s not waste this wonderful opportunity.
- Catherine West is the Labour MP for Hornsey and Friern Barnet.
