Michael Anderson
Updates from the Branch
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Michael Anderson published Trump's Tariffs are no Brexit Benefit in News from European Movement UK 2025-04-03 17:00:09 +0100
From this Saturday, new taxes on goods being imported into America will kick in.
The UK has been hit with a 10% tariff on all of its goods into the US, which Donald Trump says is a retaliation to UK tariffs on American goods.
The UK exported almost £60bn worth of goods to the US last year. If US demand for UK products dwindles due to the extra charges importers face, this could hit profit margins and ultimately lead to UK job cuts.
This is not a Brexit benefit. It is an example of just how much economic heft the UK has lost since leaving the EU.
Dr Mike Galsworthy, Chair of European Movement UK, said:
“The celebration of being punished, but to a lesser degree than some others, has to be one of the most tragicomic last straws to be grabbed at by Brexiteers.
"There is a huge amount of protection within the EU bloc. Can we finally put Brexit desperation aside and listen to what the majority of economists have to say on the matter of trade? The UK has weakened its own economy to the tune of tens of billions since 2020. Red-tape has already hammered exporters. Far from being a Brexit benefit, Trump's tariffs will further weaken our economy, and do even more damage to beleaguered British businesses."
Molly Scott Cato, Professor of Economics and Senior Vice Chair of European Movement UK, said:
"The EU is a powerful trading bloc with the heft to stand up to Trump. Brexit Britain has no alternative but to appease him and to change our domestic policy to do so. This really does make us come close to the status of a vassal state, something EU membership never did.
"Far from a 10% tariff being a benefit of the UK leaving the European Union, it is a demonstration that Britain has weakened its global power to such an extent that it no longer has the economic strength to dictate its own policies, but is instead forced to bend to the will of Donald Trump, left with just a fraction of the negotiating power that being part of the world's largest trading bloc once gave us."
Brexit: Facts & Figures
- Brexit is on course to cut UK trade intensity by 15%, the Government’s independent financial watchdog has warned. (Source: OBR)
- Brexit has cut the UK economy by £140 billion, while London's economy has lost more than £30 billion. The same report suggests the UK will be more than £300 billion worse off by 2035. (Source: Cambridge Econometrics)
- The CER uses a similar estimate, putting the economic loss at 5% of UK GDP, or around £130 billion. (Source: CER)
- The average Briton was nearly £2,000 worse off in 2023, while the average Londoner was nearly £3,400 worse off. (Source: Cambridge Econometrics)
Michael Anderson published European Movement UK Launches "Brexit Music Cost Counter" in News from European Movement UK 2025-03-18 11:04:12 +0000
European Movement UK has launched a new online tool, The Brexit Music Cost Counter, to highlight the escalating financial impact of Brexit on UK musicians.
The counter, available here, visually tracks the growing costs faced by musicians since the UK's departure from the European Union.
Based on The Independent Society of Musicians' 'Paying the Price' report (August 2023), the counter estimates a baseline cost of £11,545 per musician due to Brexit.
The counter then adds £6.62 per second, tracking the costs accruing since August 1, 2023.
The Brexit Music Cost Counter is the latest part of European Movement UK's Face The Music campaign, the campaign which is asking the UK government to Face the Music and find a lasting solution to the issues facing musicians who want and need to tour Europe after Brexit.
This tool has been made to raise awareness of the the impact of Brexit on UK music, as well as to encourage government action to mitigate the impact of Brexit both on musicians' livelihoods and the UK's broader cultural landscape.
Michael Anderson published Third Anniversary of Russia's Invasion of Ukraine - European Movement UK's Statement in News from European Movement UK 2025-02-24 12:48:30 +0000
Three years ago today, Russia began its illegal invasion of Ukraine.
What we have all seen over the last 3 years is that, in the face of Putin’s lethal campaign to annex parts of Ukraine, Europe is stronger when European nations work closely together.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has proposed sending British troops to join a peace-keeping force in Ukraine if and when any peace deal is concluded. France has also expressed willingness and other European countries will surely follow suit.
But such a peace-keeping force would need logistical support and defensive cover from NATO – and in practice that would include America. Without US support in air cover, supply logistics, and intelligence, the mission could not provide comprehensive deterrence to further Russian aggression.
Putin’s invasion of Ukraine underscores the importance of working across Europe to bolster our security and defence. This is why The European Movement will continue to advocate for a closer relationship between the UK and the EU to support Ukraine and to defend our shared democracy. A comprehensive defence and security pact is a logical next step.
Together, we must continue protecting and fighting for Ukraine's right to live in a peaceful and united Europe.
Michael Anderson published Government's youth mobility offer "is welcome news" - Chair Mike Galsworthy tells The Independent in News from European Movement UK 2025-02-21 11:46:21 +0000
Reports suggest the UK government is tabling a new youth mobility deal to the EU ahead of the UK-EU summit on May 19.
Chair of European Movement, Mike Galsworthy, said this to The Independent:
“This is welcome news. We need to start pulling this country out of the no-growth quagmire of Brexit and start giving people hope for a better, brighter future.
“Liberating our youth and small businesses alike to engage is an important start. Hopefully the government will now see that being bold, hopeful and engaged with Europe brings a sigh of relief from the public and a happier outlook.”
[Image: Shutterstock]
Michael Anderson published Defending Ukraine After A Peace Deal in News from European Movement UK 2025-02-18 10:28:58 +0000
Sir Nick Harvey, former UK Armed Forces Minister and Chief Executive of European Movement UK, offers his view on the latest developments around the war in Ukraine.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is right to propose sending British troops to join a peace-keeping force in Ukraine if and when any peace deal is concluded. Other European countries will surely follow suit.
But this will be challenging. We don’t have a large enough army to sustain both our current commitments to Estonia and NATO yet also take on significant extra duties. So we need to ramp up our defence fast – but nobody should imagine that our fighting capacity can surge at the flick of a switch. It takes time.
American reluctance to put its own boots on the ground in Ukraine is understandable and reasonable. As a nation, they are exhausted with fighting other people’s wars. President Trump was elected on a promise to stop that. So European countries should indeed shoulder the operational burden.
But they can only do so safely and effectively with logistical support and defensive cover from NATO – and in practice that means America. Without their support in air cover, supply logistics, and intelligence, the mission would be doomed. It would be no deterrence to further Russian aggression.
Europe must just get over not being in today’s talks in Saudi Arabia. President Macron has done well to gather leaders fast to take a united position. But if Europe is to play the frontline role in sustaining whatever peace Trump and Putin cobble together, we must be included very soon.
President Trump seems to be preparing world opinion for a deal where Russia keeps the land it has illegally grabbed, dictates Ukraine’s future diplomatic status, is freed from economic sanctions and returns to the international community. This would reward their aggression with everything they want!
How could Ukraine, the Baltics, Moldova or any other frontline states possibly believe that Putin will stop there, and not just use a ceasefire to regroup and then come back for more? Membership of both NATO and the EU are essential to Ukraine’s future. And if a peace-keeping force in Ukraine is only viable with NATO support, they would effectively be half in NATO anyway – so why not admit them?
To step up to its new challenge, Europe must develop more European-level defence budget, planning, policy-making, research, industrial procurement, and full spectrum military capability. This means more resilience, greater competitiveness and closer co-operation. In short, a European Defence Union.
This is not a European army, despite puerile efforts to depict it as such. It is a multi-national capability: NATO is precisely the proto-type. Nor is it an alternative to NATO – but rather, the development of a new strong European pillar within NATO, using NATO’s operational structures.
It must involve EU members and non-members alike – Britain, Türkiye and Norway are vital. But there will be an EU role in it.
The vision which emerges is something which Trump’s right-wing allies in the UK and Europe traditionally hate and abhor. But they must wake up and smell the coffee! America can’t pull back on the one hand, yet object to Europe stepping up into the gap on the other.
A European Defence Union for all willing countries in Europe (some are neutral) needs to pull all this together. Collectively we must spend more, but strategically – to avoid duplication or gaps. Western Europe must support eastern neighbours to grow and develop industrial and operational capability. Britain wants to be closely involved, but the EU needs to open this up to non-members.
Time is of the essence. Trump has opened his dialogue with Putin. Nobody in Europe wants to alienate Washington or de-couple from it. But if America wants Europe to stand on its own two feet – in Ukraine and generally – then it must let us do so, and welcome a European pillar in NATO.
Michael Anderson published UK-EU Forum: Exploring Future Cooperation Amid Global Uncertainty in News from European Movement UK 2025-02-07 12:12:57 +0000
The EU-UK Forum, organised by Paul Adamson and Encompass, brought together high-profile policymakers, business leaders, and analysts in a wide-ranging discussion on the evolving relationship between the UK and the European Union.
Against the backdrop of shifting geopolitical and economic challenges, the event underscored the complexities of post-Brexit cooperation and the opportunities for deeper engagement in critical areas such as trade, energy, and security. The full agenda can be found here. The EU-UK Forum was attended by Joe Meighan, our Public Affairs Manager, and Mark English, our Policy and Media Advisor (and main man) in Brussels.
The forum opened with a recorded keynote from Maroš Šefčovič, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, who reiterated the EU’s commitment to strengthening ties with the UK, particularly through full implementation of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA).
Following this was in-person address from Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, UK Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office, who emphasised a pragmatic approach to EU relations, highlighting security, economic growth, and regulatory cooperation as key priorities.
A major theme of the forum was the state of public sentiment on UK-EU relations. Exclusive polling across ten European countries, presented by Gideon Skinner of Ipsos UK and Ireland, revealed a prevailing lack of confidence on both sides in the prospect of improving ties. Suzanne Lynch, Chief Brussels Correspondent at Politico Europe, noted that while certain issues, such as freedom of movement, remained high priorities for EU citizens, they held much lower salience for the UK public.
Economic relations were also a major focus, with business leaders debating the challenges and opportunities presented by regulatory divergence and market access. Nick Collier of the City of London Corporation pointed out that services, which make up the bulk of the UK’s economy, remain underrepresented in the current trade framework. Derk Bleeker of Sage and Darren Ennis of Vodafone emphasised the importance of regulatory cooperation in technology and telecommunications, while financial commentator Simon Nixon explored broader competitiveness concerns.
Looking beyond economics, discussions then turned to political and security cooperation. Sandro Gozi MEP and Stella Creasy MP engaged in a forward-looking “fireside chat” on the potential for deepening engagement in areas like youth mobility and organised crime prevention. They emphasised the importance of approaching negotiations with an open and constructive mindset, focusing on finding practical solutions rather than revisiting entrenched positions or past disputes.
Meanwhile, Clara Semal of National Grid detailed quiet but significant progress on energy cooperation, particularly in linking emissions trading systems and maintaining alignment on climate goals.
Security and defence continued to feature prominently in the final discussions, with experts including Rosa Balfour of Carnegie Europe and Sir Julian King, former European Commissioner for the Security Union, stressing the need for pragmatic cooperation. They noted that successful defence partnerships could serve as a model for broader engagement. Alex Creswell OBE of Graphcore highlighted the critical role of innovation and investment in strengthening security ties, while Henry Foy of the Financial Times led a discussion on how shifting global dynamics, including a return of Donald Trump to the White House, might shape the UK’s and EU’s strategic priorities.
The event underscored both the ongoing challenges and the necessity for engagement between the UK and the EU. With the next UK-EU Parliamentary Partnership Assembly set for March, discussions on trade, security, and economic alignment will remain high on the agenda.
The European Movement continues to monitor these developments, advocating for cooperative solutions that serve both sides’ interests in an increasingly complex global landscape.
Michael Anderson published "Will we help shape Europe’s security, or watch from the sidelines?" asks CEO Nick Harvey in News from European Movement UK 2025-02-03 11:05:53 +0000
Sir Nick Harvey, formed Minister for Armed Forces (2010-2012), is CEO of European Movement UK.
The return of Donald Trump to the White House has been a wake-up call for European capitals. His ambivalence towards NATO, transactional alliances, and ‘America First’ agenda mean Europe—including the UK—can no longer rely on its transatlantic partner as it once did. For Britain, the question is simple: will we help shape Europe’s security, or watch from the sidelines? This will be key when Keir Starmer meets EU leaders in Brussels later today.
If we are serious about defending our interests and global influence, we must move quickly to strengthen our defence ties with the EU. Closer cooperation is not just in Britain’s interest—it is in Europe’s interest too. The EU gains as much from UK expertise, military capabilities, and intelligence-sharing as Britain does from being integrated into European security frameworks.
As a permanent UN Security Council member, a nuclear power, and a leading NATO force, Britain should be central to European defence. Yet, since leaving the EU, Britain has remained conspicuously absent from key European defence initiatives, even as security threats mount. This is a strategic mistake.
The geopolitical landscape has changed dramatically since the Trade and Cooperation Agreement was negotiated. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has fundamentally reshaped European security. We need to be responsive to these changes.
There is no contradiction between deepening European defence cooperation and maintaining NATO as the foundation of our security. A stronger European defence pillar strengthens NATO, particularly when a future US administration may be unwilling to come to Europe’s aid. Finland and Sweden’s NATO accession underscores the value of both partnerships.
Later today, leaders must discuss concrete steps to strengthen security cooperation. As part of these discussions, several key measures should be considered to strengthen UK-EU defence ties.
First, entering into a Framework Participation Agreement (FPA) with the European Union would enable the UK to participate in Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions on a case-by-case basis. The CSDP has become an increasingly important pillar of European defence, with missions designed to enhance Europe’s crisis management capabilities, improve regional security, and contribute to international peacekeeping efforts. Britain was once an active participant and led Operation Atalanta, which tackled piracy off Somalia’s coast and remains critical in safeguarding international shipping routes. Given the UK’s naval strength, re-engaging in would be a logical step. Also, reintegrating into Operation Althea, would help boost a crucial role in stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the wider Balkans.
Second, signing an Administrative Agreement with the European Defence Agency (EDA) would open up possibilities for the UK to join Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) projects. PESCO is an EU initiative designed to enhance defence collaboration between member states, focusing on critical areas such as military mobility, cyber defence, artificial intelligence for military applications, and cutting-edge surveillance technology. These projects promote joint capability development, ensuring European forces can operate more efficiently together.
Countries including the United States, Canada, and Norway already participate in select PESCO projects. Britain, with its advanced defence industry and military expertise, should seek entry into relevant projects. The EDA plays a crucial role in coordinating European defence cooperation, and excluding the UK from these initiatives weakens both British and European security.
Third, the UK has already demonstrated its willingness to work with European allies through the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), a UK-led rapid reaction force made up of Nordic and Baltic allies. Given Russia’s persistent threats to European stability, JEF should be expanded in both scope and operational readiness, incorporating additional countries—most notably Poland.
At the same time, the EU has actively encouraged greater collaboration between member states in defence research, development, and procurement. However, as a third country outside the single market, the UK is largely excluded from these schemes. This is a significant oversight. If the UK and EU are to strengthen their security cooperation, any new agreement must include provisions allowing Britain to take part in these vital defence initiatives. The EU has much to gain from UK expertise and capabilities, and this must be recognised in negotiations. Enhanced access to British-led research and industrial development would significantly boost Europe’s defence innovation and technological edge.
Failure to act now would be reckless. If Britain stands aside as Europe deepens its defence ties, we risk weakening our own security and marginalising ourselves in future strategic decisions.
In an uncertain world, our defence cooperation with the European Union should be as strong, if not stronger, than the partnerships our NATO allies—including the United States, Canada, and Turkey—already maintain with the EU. A security Agreement that formalises British participation in European defence initiatives is overdue.
This is not about choosing between the EU and NATO. It is about facing the reality of a shifting global order where Europe must take responsibility for its own defence. The UK must not only be part of this effort—it must help lead it.
Michael Anderson published Yes, the UK should join PEM. Here's why. in News from European Movement UK 2025-01-24 14:51:05 +0000
CEO, Sir Nick Harvey, outlines what the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean (PEM) Convention is and why the UK would benefit from joining.
At Davos, EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič suggested that Brussels is open to the UK joining the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean (PEM) Convention to strengthen trade relations.
However, the UK government remains hesitant. Both Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook and Minister for EU Relations Nick Thomas-Symonds indicated that there are no immediate plans to pursue membership. On the other hand, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds acknowledged the potential benefits and was quick to emphasise that PEM is not equivalent to a customs union—a red line for Labour—which leaves some room for cautious optimism.
The PEM Convention presents a practical opportunity for the UK to begin recalibrating its economic relationship with Europe in a way that benefits British businesses, strengthens supply chains, and enhances trade competitiveness. It will certainly not be a silver bullet to resolve all our current trade frictions, but joining PEM would be a pragmatic, tangible step forward—one that could deliver real value to industries deeply intertwined with European markets.
Although it is only a small step, it is an important one. Without laying the groundwork, any meaningful reset in relations with the EU will remain out of reach. It makes no sense to have ‘reset’ rhetoric on repeat while retreating from every opening for real change. Joining PEM would send a clear signal that the UK is serious about rebuilding trust and cooperation with Europe—without breaching the government’s self-imposed red lines, which, in my view, are unnecessary. Real progress requires a series of incremental measures before more ambitious goals can be pursued. That is why, as CEO of the European Movement UK, I am proud to lead a truly cross-party campaign advocating for a step-by-step approach to bring the UK and EU closer together—until Britain returns to the heart of Europe.
The PEM Convention, which includes the EU and 24 other countries—such as Norway, Algeria, and Ukraine—allows for diagonal cumulation of origin. In simple terms, this means that materials sourced from any PEM country can count as originating in the final product’s country of manufacture. For UK businesses, participation would mean they could use components from any PEM country and still qualify for tariff-free trade under preferential agreements. This would provide valuable support for industries such as automotive, chemicals, and food production, where complex, cross-border supply chains are the norm.
Since leaving the EU, UK businesses have faced new barriers, complex rules of origin, and rising costs. The impact has been felt across the manufacturing and export sectors, with supply chains being forced to move away from the UK. It is, therefore, difficult to understand the government’s reluctance to engage with practical solutions such as PEM.
Few businesses might lose by joining PEM—but far more would gain. Countries such as Switzerland and Morocco are eager for the UK to come on board, recognising the mutual benefits of reducing trade friction and enhancing regional integration.
PEM could provide significant value if it can operate alongside the rules of origin requirements set out in the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA). This dual framework would allow UK and EU exporters to choose the most favourable conditions to qualify for tariff-free access. Although it may seem unconventional, such arrangements are often feature of trade agreements. For example, UK exporters to Australia have the option to follow either the UK-Australia free trade agreement or the regulations set by the CPTPP.
Business leaders are calling for clarity and certainty—two things PEM could provide. A growing number of industry groups, including the British Chambers of Commerce, have voiced their support, arguing that PEM membership could simplify supply chains, reduce bureaucracy, and enhance trade efficiency.
Joining PEM should be seen as part of a broader strategy to rebuild trust and cooperation with the EU. Alongside initiatives such as rejoining Erasmus+, securing a youth mobility agreement, establishing a new defence pact, and negotiating a better deal for the creative industries, PEM could serve as an important stepping stone toward a much closer UK-EU partnership.
Michael Anderson published “Change is going to come” to solve post-Brexit touring issues, says Nandy in News from European Movement UK 2025-01-16 16:10:59 +0000
This week, Rolling Stone magazine published an interview with Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy.
“That change is going to come,” said Nandy. “We need to make it a more seamless process and more similar to how it was back in the day,”
Voices from across the music sector, from musicians, performers and live music workers to instrument makers and teachers, have spoken out about the amount of post-Brexit challenges they are now facing.
As Rolling Stone notes, the challenges include, “extensive networks of visas, work permits and carnets.”
This intervention from Nandy comes after the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) responded to our Face The Music campaign in October last year.
It also comes weeks after Sheffield Central MP Abtisam Mohamed spoke about our Face The Music campaign with Chris Bryant MP, Minister of State for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism.
"This is great to see from Lisa Nandy, but we cannot afford this to just be words,” said European Movement’s Campaign Manager, Richard Kilpatrick.
“The sector needs to see real and tangible progress made on this as soon as possible."
Our Face The Music campaign has long been calling for the UK government to find a solution to the issues facing musicians who want to tour Europe after Brexit.
The campaign is calling for two concrete steps to improve the outlook for the UK’s live music sector:
- Negotiated and reciprocal agreements to ease travel for UK musicians
- A review of the restrictions on how many days artists and support workers can work in the EU within a 180-day period.
For the sake of our world-leading live music sector, put pressure on the UK government to take action.
Michael Anderson published Support the bill for a UK-EU Youth Mobility Scheme in News from European Movement UK 2025-01-10 18:12:44 +0000
On Wednesday, 15th January, we have a golden opportunity to push for an expanded youth mobility scheme between the UK and EU.
When we left the European Union, we lost our rights to live, work, and move freely through Europe. But negotiating a youth mobility scheme with the EU is important to restore those rights.
As such, we are working to support the Liberal Democrats' Spokesperson on Europe, James MacCleary MP, who has secured a Ten Minute Rule Bill in the House of Commons. The bill James is taking forward is calling for an expanded youth mobility scheme between the UK and EU.
We are asking supporters to lobby their MP, asking them to attend the session on Wednesday - will you tell your MP to attend the debate and support the bill?
A Ten Minute Rule Bill, presented in the House of Commons after question time on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, is a way of introducing a bill's first reading.
This is why we are supporting James in making this an opportunity to start a serious, grown-up debate on restoring and improving opportunities for young people to live and work in Europe.
Ask your MP to contribute to the debate and support the campaign to extend youth mobility.
[Image: Shutterstock]
Michael Anderson published European Movement UK Hits 24,000 Members in News from European Movement UK 2025-01-08 11:48:29 +0000
European Movement UK, the UK’s leading pro-European organisation, has hit one of the biggest milestones in its 75-year history by surpassing 24,000 members.
Membership of our grassroots movement has been climbing up for some time, gathering pace in the post-Brexit years.
And this consistent growth should come as no surprise given the signs that the UK public want a closer relationship with Europe are clear (YouGov).
Put simply, this growth reflects the increasing public support for the UK to return to the EU.
So, what does a growing membership mean in practice?
Our increased membership gives the campaign more resources, more campaigning power, and a wider range of voices and perspectives as we work together to undo the damage of Brexit.
The growth of this cross-party movement also reflects a rising awareness about the importance of the UK’s active participation in shaping Europe's future.
And now that our movement holds the secretariat of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Europe, we have a new platform for driving discussions, recommendations and opportunities for improving the evolving UK-EU relationship.
“We’re at a point where we are gaining more critical mass and more exposure. We’re now on 24,000 and have the 25,000 mark in our sights,” said Chair of European Movement UK, Dr Mike Galsworthy.
"The fact that we are over 24,000 members and we are not a political party speaks volumes.
"There is much discussion at the moment around party membership in the UK, particularly of Reform UK. They were at similar levels to us this time last year.
"Carrying on like this, we will get to our own tipping point because we recognise that every new member counts and we will keep plugging away with our well-disciplined build.”
We have a vital opportunity to rewrite our relationship with Europe over the next year.
As the European Union faces complex challenges, from geopolitical tensions to economic uncertainties, the continued growth of our movement becomes ever more vital.
Together, we can push for bolder action from the government, make sure the voices of people affected by Brexit are heard, and start reclaiming rights and freedoms we lost when we left the EU.
Join the movement for a European future in 2025.
[Image: Shutterstock]Michael Anderson published APPG on Europe Launches in Westminster in News from European Movement UK 2024-12-19 15:16:25 +0000
On Monday night, we officially launched the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Europe to a packed room in the House of Commons.
APPGs are a valuable platform for well-informed discussion, analysis and, crucially, they can drive policy change.
The APPG on Europe, of which European Movement UK holds the secretariat, will be a space for constructive, cross-party dialogue, bringing together the most influential voices on the future of the UK-EU relationship.
We were joined at the opening reception in Westminster by Minister for Europe, Stephen Doughty MP; a host of Lords and MPs; the EU Ambassador to the UK, Pedro Serrano; ambassadors from across Europe and some of the most influential voices in the pro-European ecosystem here in the UK.
Stephen Doughty told the room: "This APPG is very important. We are ready to listen. We are keen to hear your perspectives.”
[Minister for Europe, Stephen Doughty MP, speaks at the launch of the APPG on Europe.]
“The APPG on Europe is the cross-party platform which the UK-EU relationship desperately needs.
“This APPG is now the go-to place for MPs and Peers to have informed debate and foster dialogue on UK-EU relations and in areas of mutual interest, such as trade, security, and all areas of future cooperation.”
Off the back of the opening reception, we are asking the public to urge their MPs to join the APPG on Europe for the first session in early 2025.
Stay up-to-date with the activities of the APPG on Europe here: https://www.appgeurope.uk/
You can also contact the APPG at: [email protected]
Co-Chairs of the APPG on Europe are Dr. Rosena Allin-Khan MP and Lord Kirkhope, and the two Co-Vice Chairs are Wera Hobhouse MP and Ellie Chowns MP.
Michael Anderson published European Movement launches UK Music Unwrapped in News from European Movement UK 2024-12-05 15:16:21 +0000
This week, over 120 million people will engage with their end-of-year music roundups. It is amongst the biggest social media sharing moments of the year.
So we wanted to seize this moment.
This is why, on Wednesday, we launched UK Music Unwrapped to tell the story of what leaving the EU has done to the UK music industry.
Our movement’s Face The Music campaign has been telling the stories of thousands of musicians affected by red tape, spiralling costs, and loss of opportunities after the UK left the EU.
If you haven’t had a look at the hard data on the impact of Brexit on UK music, have a look now and share it on your social media.
Together, we can remind every music fan that Brexit is bad for UK music, and that we will not let this issue fall to the wayside.
Michael Anderson published Face The Music Campaign featured in The Independent in News from European Movement UK 2024-12-04 16:44:19 +0000
The Independent ran another piece on our Face The Music campaign.
The Independent quoted our Chair, Dr Mike Galsworthy:
“We’ve long been saying that it isn’t the established artists who are suffering. It’s the ‘jobbing musicians’ – the backstage staff, the small bands who used to jump in a van and play a few European pubs every summer.
“The classical singers who would take last minute jobs in Berlin or Vienna. It’s the Ed Sheeran’s and the Coldplays of the future who are suffering now. Chris Bryant has simply said what our Face The Music campaign has been highlighting – the government needs to help our creative touring artists before it’s too late, and we permanently damage one of the UK’s best global exports – its culture.
“Brexit has made working in the EU so much harder for those working in the industry. We need the government to move forward as soon as possible with its pledge to cut the red tape around touring visas. It needs to be done now.”
[Image: Shutterstock]
Michael Anderson published Face The Music Campaign featured in The Independent in News from European Movement UK 2024-11-06 15:49:52 +0000
The Independent ran a feature on our Face The Music campaign, citing one of our case studies, the soprano singer, Rachel Nicholls.
The Independent also quoted our Chair, Dr Mike Galsworthy:
“Every day, jobs are being lost, and one of this country’s most important cultural exports is hamstrung by the consequences of a hard Brexit. We need action now and this government should be taking its cue from the vital and vibrant industries of this country.”
[Image: Shutterstock]
Michael Anderson published WATCH: Four Years since Brexit – Dr Mike Galsworthy debates with Nigel Farage and David Davis in News from European Movement UK 2024-10-28 17:17:58 +0000
Watch Chair of European Movement UK, Dr Mike Galsworthy, debate David Davis and Nigel Farage on GB News on the fourth anniversary of the UK's departure from the EU.
[Image: Shutterstock]
Michael Anderson published What Are Labour’s Brexit Plans? European Movement UK’s President Lord Heseltine on our exclusive Brexit polling. in News from European Movement UK 2024-10-28 17:13:14 +0000
President Lord Heseltine reacted to our exclusive polling which found "six in 10 voters saying Brexit and Britain’s relationship with Brussels should be a main election issue".
In i News he said:
“The state of our economy, defence and environment, the need to level up our society, control immigration and restore Britain’s standing in the world. None of these issues can be honestly addressed in isolation from our relationship with Europe. Yet Europe is the no-go area,” Michael Heseltine said.
[Image: Shutterstock]
Michael Anderson published A new security deal with Germany? Sir Nick Harvey in News from European Movement UK 2024-10-28 17:07:54 +0000
CEO of European Movement UK, Sir Nick Harvey, in The Independent.
Read here (£).
[Image: Shutterstock]
Michael Anderson published European Movement Vice President, Dominic Grieve, on the ECHR in News from European Movement UK 2024-10-28 17:01:28 +0000
Vice President of European Movement UK, Dominic Grieve KC, explains why ‘It’s time to break this election’s conspiracy of silence over Brexit’.
[Image: Shutterstock]
Michael Anderson published The Brexit experiment has failed, Dr Mike Galsworthy tells BBC Radio 2 in News from European Movement UK 2024-10-28 16:49:42 +0000
Chair of European Movement UK, Dr Mike Galsworthy, tells Jeremy Vine that the Brexit "experiment" has failed.
[Image: Shutterstock]