Winchester hub 4Europe first gathering

Who are we?

A warm welcome to all those of you who have shown an interest in the formation of this new local European Movement UK (EM UK) based in Winchester.  We are a diverse group of interest and demographic. We are individuals of all ages and backgrounds, community associations and political party interests. We are not partisan. https://www.europeanmovement.co.uk/

Winchester hub 4Europe is a cross party, grassroots community campaigning organisation that brings people together who have a shared interest in building an equal, stronger and positive partnership with our European neighbours. There are many similar groups all around the UK.

We are focusing our campaign effort initially on the Winchester area. However, as we build up our community base we can reach out further afield. This is why we are calling it a hub. Rome was not built in a day!

Now, it is time for Winchester to have its pro-European voice!

What will you find out?

• Learn about our ambitions here in Winchester as an affiliate to the national Movement
• Get a sense of what everyone would like to see from our campaign group, see if this is for you and how you might want to contribute and participate
• Meet like-minded people, start to build our community and networks….and have some fun!
• Outline the next steps towards affiliation.
• Accept it is early days, so nothing is completely tablets of stone right now. It will evolve.

Our ambitions

I set out five ambitions overleaf that can frame our campaign work in different ways. They are all of course interrelated. Our activity will be flexed to meet the different need and wants, but all bound by the same vision:

Having our voice

Reach up and across with our grassroots voice, to influence and shape the political will and pace of decision making nationally/ the UK on a closer relationship with Europe

Building Community

Build a strong and diverse community of shared European interest, working collaboratively and cooperatively across the board. This includes forging links and partnerships with other communities or organisations on areas of common interest and mutual benefit. This strengthens reach and voice and we learn from each other

Strengthening Solidarity and Security

We are in turbulent and unstable times in Europe and globally – economically, politically, environmentally. There has never been a greater case for cooperation and solidarity with Europe. The UK needs to be in the European tent. Security and peace on European soil is a real challenge today. We fully support our Ukraine communities here, and whose nation is part of Europe- in their defence against the Russian invasion and protect their freedom to choose their own destiny.

Building the future – involving Younger People

The engagement and involvement of younger people, notably between 18 and 35 yrs- is critical to the future success of Europe and of the EU. The demographics are changing fast. By 2030 younger people will be the majority demographic. Yet as our future talent and skills, our leaders, our cohesion, they are also the most vulnerable to the lack of educational and employment opportunity. For a variety of reasons in the UK, they have a very different experience - and interest in - European affairs as compared to their counterparts in Europe. They are also ‘opportunity disadvantaged’ in terms of employment, education and social mobility. We must work towards this change  NOW.

Joining the European Union (EU)

Forward not backward looking, we look to join the EU in whatever shape or form that is. The EU is facing many challenges – how best to respond to a changing security, political., social, economic and environmental landscape across Europe and globally. The UK is facing similar challenges. So, our safety, our growth and well being must be based on closer ties and cooperation with the EU. For example, on economic and trade alignment at the very least, on shared social and employment mobility, on stability., on inter-cultural exchange, We want to accelerate the pace towards integration. Again, we want the UK to be in the European tent and not out of it.

I am also pleased to say that we will be joined by Nick Harvey, Chief Executive of the European Movement UK.