I have left the business and creative capital of Europe, London, for the political capital of Brussels aboard the environmentally friendly Eurostar. To some in Woolwich and Plumstead, Europe may seem a long way off but actually we're part if it and it makes a difference to our lives every day.
So for workers, it means statutory holidays, parental rights, equal rights for part time workers and a maximum 48 hour week (which you can opt out of). For consumers (and that's everyone) it means mobile roaming charges have been more than halved, compensation for cancelled and over-delayed flights and the right to buy from anyone in Europe at no extra charge. And for local regeneration, the EU has helped fund skills training, credit unions and physical regeneration.
We all now have the right to work and study anywhere in Europe and the world's largest economy and single market brings added jobs and clout on the world stage.
Europe is not perfect of course, we need more say; we need to stop the farce of our European Parliament carting everything from Brussels off to Strasbourg every month and we spend too much subsidising inefficient farmers and too little on research and science to foster jobs and competitiveness. But nor is the UK perfect.
So, your vote for the European Parliament on 22 May (same time as local elections but a different ballot paper) will make a big difference. Labour MEPs will effectively fight within Europe for London, Tories ally themselves with a ragbag of right wing groups some of whom have very dubious histories while UKIP hardly ever show up or vote, letting London and Britain down. So do vote and have your say. We need Europe to take a lead for sustainable growth and jobs, as well as good air quality and our environment, for all of us.
http://www.eurolabour.org.uk
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