MacKenzie Horn

MacKenzie Horn

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  • published The Russia Report in News from European Movement UK 2020-07-24 13:22:56 +0100

    After more than a year and a half of delay, the Russia Report was finally released to the public this morning. The report’s conclusion that the government “did not take action to protect the UK’s process in 2016” highlights the need for greater oversight over our democratic processes, and we wholeheartedly welcome the report’s recommendation for a post-referendum assessment of Russian attempts at interference, similar to what happened in the United States.

    The people who were most in favour of Brexit love to speak about British sovereignty - yet fall remarkably silent when presented with concrete evidence that a foreign power has interfered in our democracy on multiple occasions. It is shameful that the government has been so reluctant to act in the face of such a blatant threat from a hostile actor. This is not a partisan issue - the extent of Russian influence poses a significant challenge for us all, and it must be tackled in order to protect our democracy.

    But the Russia Report isn’t the only thing that we should be talking about today. Last night, parliament voted on amendments to the Trade Bill. They began by voting down New Clause 17, an amendment designed to prevent the NHS being subject to any form of foreign control by 340 votes to 251. 

    New Clause 17 also sought to: 

    •  Protect NHS staff from having their wages slashed by any future trade deal
    • Regulate medicine prices
    • Protect patient data from being sold off 

    The Conservatives clapped for the NHS - and then put it on the negotiating table. 

    Pretty bad, right? But wait - there’s more!

    MPs also voted against New Clause 11, which sought to protect food standards and animal welfare. 

    We’re not done yet! 

    Perhaps most alarmingly, MPs then voted against ensuring that parliament would have a vote on any post-Brexit trade deal. They literally voted against giving themselves a say.

    Angry? So are we. But here’s the good news - the European Movement has more than 120 groups across the country that are leading the fightback. Join us: 

    I'LL JOIN THE MOVEMENT

    Together, we can hold the government to account. 

    Kind Regards, 

    Hugo Mann, CEO 

  • published So there won't be an extension...what next? in News from European Movement UK 2020-07-09 11:25:11 +0100

    Last evening, the European Movement hosted our third twitter chat! Now that the government has chosen not to extend the Brexit transition period, we spoke about what's next for Brexit in the wake of the biggest public health crisis in over a century, and ways that we can come together to stop a No Deal Brexit. 

    We started off with a simple poll: 

    As you can see, the results were pretty resounding! Next, Alan asked how the potential of President Biden in November would affect the state of UK-US trade negotiations: 

    Over the past few weeks, leading experts in key industries have warned about the consequences of a No Deal Brexit. 

    Matti had some fantastic ideas about how to hold the powerful to account in your own community: 

    Despite the intense focus on negotiations, there has been little research about what the British people actually want from a deal with the EU. We decided to ask: 

    The last data released by the government about the impact of a No Deal Brexit was in October 2019 - long before Coronavirus altered our communities forever. That's why we're calling on the government to come clean about the impact of a No Deal Brexit in light of Coronavirus: 

    Julie made a powerful point about the impact of a No Deal Brexit on our NHS: 

    We decided to end the chat by inviting our supporters to share their favourite experiences given to them by freedom of movement: 

     

    Thanks for joining us! Keep an eye out on our twitter profile (@euromove) for all the latest information on our campaigns, and tweet us using the hashtag #BrexitWatch to ask us questions!

  • published Michael Heseltine Speaks at No to No Deal Rally in News from European Movement UK 2020-06-15 20:15:08 +0100

    European Movement President Lord Michael Heseltine joined a cross-party group of Politicians and Activists to speak at our 'No to No Deal' Virtual Rally. 

    “Everybody knows that the battle for Brexit was deeply felt and of historic proportions. And those of us who fought to remain within the EU have to accept that the British people took a decision democratically in favour of severing that relationship. I believe they were wrong, I believe that the matter will come up for further review and that one day we will rejoin the neighbours in Europe. But that decision is no longer on the political table. We’ve moved on. We have effectively taken the decision to leave and implemented it. But of course that is oversimplifying the situation. We haven’t actually left in practical terms. That’s why we have a transitional period - to work out the details, to try and find solutions, to reduce to the minimum the damaging effects. Now you’ll have to throw into this the Coronavirus tragedy. No one could have seen it coming, and it’s not for me to do anything other than recognise the government has done what it believes to be best to try and cope. And things are getting better, and that is excellent news. But the coincidence of these two events is potentially disastrous for our economy. Every statistic published shows how much damage is being done. And to inject the uncertainty of a No-Deal at the end of this calendar year into the chaos of the Coronavirus epidemic is in my view grossly irresponsible. Now of course I understand that those who believe in Brexit will say “Oh yes, you’re just another remainer trying to have another go”. I don’t believe that. We are simply facing the reality which no one could have foreseen, and I think that a government should be big enough to recognise that it has secured its objective, but to do everything practical to make that objective work in the national interest. And if that means changing the date on which the transitional period ends, so be it. It would be quite wrong to make capital out of such a review of the timetable. I believe the government has a responsibility, now, to put at the top of its agenda the best possible deal, not the worst possible outcome, which is a No Deal.”

    Weren't able to make the rally? Catch up here: 

    WATCH THE RALLY

    Want to do more? Help us ensure that European Movement activists in communities across the UK have the resources that they need to take their activism online by chipping in to our campaign: 

    I'LL CHIP IN

     

  • published Stephen Dorrell: Decision Not To Seek Extension 'Reckless' in News from European Movement UK 2020-06-12 15:05:56 +0100

    Responding to Michael Gove’s confirmation today that the UK will not be asking for an extension to the Brexit transition period, European Movement Chair and Former Health Secretary Stephen Dorrell said: 

    "In choosing not to extend the transition period, the government is choosing to put ideology before country. Just this morning, it was announced that Britain’s GDP shrank by 20.4% in April - the largest monthly drop on record. At a time when we are facing the biggest public health crisis in over a century and Coronavirus is already wreaking havoc on our economy, now is not the time for the government to recklessly flirt with a No-Deal Brexit that will further endanger people’s livelihoods."

     

    To Chip in to help stop a No Deal Brexit, click here: 

    I'LL CHIP IN

     

     

  • published Four Ways to Campaign from Home in News from European Movement UK 2020-06-02 15:03:11 +0100

    We know that things are challenging for many right now. Some of us are working on the frontline in hospitals and shops. Some of us are trying to balance working from home with homeschooling our children.

    Many of us are missing family and friends.

    In these difficult times, it's easy to feel isolated.

    Here at the European Movement, we’ve been so inspired by the ways that communities have been coming together through this crisis. We may be stuck at home, but our activism continues!

    This National Volunteer Week, here are three things that you can do (from your sofa!) to get involved in our newest campaign calling on the government to extend the transition period in order to focus on COVID-19:

    1) Retweet this video message from Michael Heseltine 

    Our President Michael Heseltine has recorded a powerful video message about the need to extend the transition period in the national interest. 

    Share the video to amplify his message and help us grow our community!

    I'LL RETWEET THE MESSAGE

    2) Sign (and share!) the Petition

    Our petition telling Boris Johnson to pause the transition period in order to focus on protecting our NHS has generated over 58,000 signatures!

    Help us keep the momentum going. If you haven’t already signed, add your name today:

    SIGN THE PETITION

    Already signed? Share the petition on social media to help us reach 100,000 signatures:

    SHARE ON FACEBOOK
    SHARE ON TWITTER
    INVITE SOME FRIENDS BY EMAIL

    3) Write to your MP

    Writing to your MP is one of the best ways to ensure that your voice is heard. Letters from constituents help MPs understand how people in their constituency feel about an issue, and help inform policy decisions.

    We've created a simple tool to help you write to your MP - it only takes two minutes!

    I'LL WRITE TO MY MP

    4) Chip in to the Crowdfunder

    Thank you to everyone who has chipped in to our crowdfunder so far. With your help, we’ve managed to raise over £58,000!

    Last year, European Movement activists were instrumental in stopping a No Deal Brexit. This time, the stakes are even higher. But we’ve won this fight once - we can do it again. 

    Can you chip in to help our activists demand that the government extend the Brexit transition period in order to stop a catastrophic No Deal Brexit?

    I'LL CHIP IN

    On behalf of the entire European Movement team, thank you.

  • published Heseltine: We Must Extend The Transition Period in News from European Movement UK 2020-05-18 17:53:27 +0100

    In yesterday’s Independent, European Movement President Lord Michael Heseltine wrote a powerful piece supporting our campaign to extend the transition period in the national interest. He said: 

    When everyone is hoping for certainty about a time when the disease will be under control, it is unforgivable for the government to add another uncertainty which it could control. At a time when so many are struggling, the government must not add a cliff-edge no-deal crisis to this hardship, and compound the economic turmoil now facing the country.

    You can read the full article here:

    READ THE ARTICLE

    Last week, the third round of trade negotiations ended with UK Chief Negotiator David Frost admitting that there had been "very little progress towards agreement on the most significant outstanding issues between us". 

    There are now only 45 days remaining for the EU and UK to agree to an extension. Otherwise, we risk crashing out without a deal - which would be catastrophic for our economy and our NHS. 

    If you agree with Lord Heseltine that the government should put country before ideology and extend the transition period, please consider making a donation today:

    I'LL CHIP IN

    Thank you for your support!

  • published Twitter Chat: #Pause in News from European Movement UK 2020-05-12 10:41:11 +0100

    During these challenging times, it is more important than ever to stay connected. That's why this week, we hosted our second Twitter Chat! This time, we talked about our newest campaign to extend the transition period in order to avoid a catastrophic No Deal Brexit.

    We started off with a simple poll - and as you can see, the results were pretty clear!

    Next, we asked how a No Deal Brexit would impact your industry. We got some very interesting replies, with everyone from doctors to bakers highlighting the difficulties that would arise if we crash out without a trade agreement in place. 

    Annette asked about the best way to lobby the government to agree to an extension as the end of June draws nearer. 

    Friederike asked a great question about reaching people outside of our bubble and welcoming new people into our movement: 

    We then asked our Chair, Former Health Secretary Stephen Dorrell what the main impact of a No Deal Brexit would be on the NHS:

    We ended the chat with a fun twitter poll about just how bad a No Deal Brexit would be. You heard it here first, folks: a No Deal Brexit would be worse than Marmite!

  • published Three Ways We're Campaigning in the Coronavirus outbreak in News from European Movement UK 2020-04-07 11:56:24 +0100

    The outbreak of COVID-19 has reminded us that issues that impact humanity do not have borders. This pandemic is evidence that an experience in one country can rapidly affect the lives, economics and social fabrics of every other community in the world, and that learning from and coordinating with other countries is the only logical path towards building a global community.

    The European Movement is respecting official advice and suspending in-person activities in response to the Coronavirus outbreak. But we must continue to ensure that the future we have been fighting for over the past 70 years is upheld. In a post-Brexit world, our values are at risk, from the undermining of human rights to compromising environmental standards. Together we are advocating for European values, standards and rights to be maintained in the UK, and there is much that we can still do to achieve that goal.

    Here are three ways we're campaigning in the coronavirus outbreak:

    1. We're pushing to extend the transition period. 

    There is a developing consensus, both in the UK and within the EU, that the transition period needs to be extended. This doesn't mean revisiting the fact that we have (regrettably) left the EU. What it does mean is that it is logical to be particularly mindful of our interests in the context of unprecedented global upheaval. To insist that the transition period must end on 31st December 2020, without ensuring that agreements around medical supplies are safeguarded or considering the damning economic prospects of leaving with no future relationship agreed while facing the long-term economic impact of a global pandemic would be an act of pig-headed folly. 

    It would prioritise ideology over the actual needs of the British people.

    Join us by signing this petition: 

    2. We're digitally organising

    At a time when barriers are going up all over the world and national leaders, including our own, are backing away from international commitments, we're working even harder to defend the rights of EU citizens in the UK, as well as UK citizens living in the EU.

    We're developing a series of virtual organising initiatives that are already underway, such as Twitter chats and virtual Euro cafes. We'll use our resources to continue our work to convene and inform EU citizens living in the UK, working closely with our allies like the 3million and the youth of the country whose interests are most affected.

    Watch this space for official online events and ways to get involved!

    3. We're holding the government to account

    While attention is focussed on the public health emergency, we need to be vigilant in monitoring Brexit developments via our BrexitWatch initiative. Behind the cover of the current crisis, the government is pursuing an extreme and isolationist version of Brexit. It is refusing to publish the impact assessments for its policy, and it is unable to devote the resources necessary to ensure that it minimises the adverse impacts for British people. 

    Decisions will be made over the next few months to change supply chains and employment patterns to reflect a world where Britain is no longer part of the European Single Market. For the first time since 1945, we have an openly protectionist government. Brexit-Watch will assemble the evidence of the damage that their policies are inflicting on an economy which is already weakened by Covid-19.

     

  • published Dominic Grieve: Striving Together For Our Common Interests And Values in News from European Movement UK 2020-03-23 13:25:02 +0000

    The UK may have now left the European Union, but the European Movement’s work is far from over. That’s why this week, I officially announced that I have joined the European Movement National Council.

    The ‘Australia-style’ being touted by Boris Johnson is really a No Deal Brexit in disguise.

    With the prime minister recklessly threatening to walk away from trade negotiations if an agreement is not reached by June, and refusing to extend the transition period even when faced with a global pandemic, it has never been more important to hold this government to account.

    The European Movement is fighting tooth and nail to maintain the closest possible relationship with our European partners and prevent Boris Johnson from wreaking havoc on our economy, our NHS, and our environment through a disastrous No Deal Brexit. 

    When Winston Churchill founded the European Movement in 1949, he described the aim of the organisation as “to re-create the European Family, or as much of it as we can, and provide it with a structure under which it can dwell in peace, in safety and in freedom”.

    The task ahead of us is enormous. However, I firmly believe that we can still achieve Churchill’s vision by striving together for our common interests and values, and I look forward to working with the European Movement to accomplish those aims.

    Kind Regards, 

    Dominic Grieve 

  • published Our Next Steps in News from European Movement UK 2020-03-23 09:58:43 +0000

    As I explained on 17th March, the European Movement is respecting official advice about social distancing which, inevitably, suspends those of our traditional campaigning activities that involve social contact and engagement. But it leaves much that we can do, and are still doing.

    Following meetings of the National Executive and the National Council last week, I am therefore writing to set out the plans we are developing to ensure our voice is heard on key European issues over the coming weeks.
     
    Firstly, and most obviously, there is a developing consensus, both in the UK and within the EU, that the transition period needs to be extended. This does not involve revisiting the fact that we have (regrettably) left the EU. It is a prudent exercise of national sovereignty to safeguard our essential economic interests at a time of unprecedented social and economic upheaval. To insist that the transition must end on 31st December 2020, without ensuring that arrangements are in place to safeguard essential medical supplies, never mind trade and our wider economic interests, would be an act of pig-headed folly. It would prioritise ideology over the vital interests of the British people. The European Movement will continue to make this argument and will seek the support of our members for local campaigns to support this position.
     
    Secondly, we shall continue to develop a series of campaigning initiatives that are already underway. These include expanding our relationship with the3million and supporting their arguments in support of EU citizens living in the UK, as well as campaigns for UK citizens living within the EU. We will also be looking at ways of holding virtual Cafe’s in the future if possible; expanding our relationship with the European Parliament; and working closely with the youth of the country whose interests are most affected. At a time when barriers are going up all over the world and national leaders, including our own, are backing away from international commitments, the European Movement is firmly behind the rights of UK and EU citizens and we will continue to fight for their interests.
     
    Thirdly, we shall continue to develop our Brexit-Watch initiative. While attention is focussed on the public health emergency, we need to be vigilant in monitoring Brexit developments. Behind the cover of the current crisis, the government is pursuing an extreme and isolationist version of Brexit. It is refusing to publish the impact assessments for its policy, and it is unable to devote the resources necessary to ensure that it minimises the adverse impacts for British people. Decisions will be made over the next few months to change supply chains and employment patterns to reflect a world where Britain is no longer part of the European Single Market. We know that British Governments of all political persuasions have, for over 70 years, consistently championed the importance to the UK of a level European playing field but, for the first time since 1945, we have an openly protectionist government.  Brexit-Watch will assemble the evidence of the damage that their policies are inflicting on an economy which is already weakened by Covid-19.
     
    Finally, The European Movement is also taking advantage of this period to address some of the internal issues which urgently need to be addressed. Hugo Mann has initiated a review of our data handling to ensure that data is available efficiently to those who need it, and we are recruiting a membership officer to support efforts to expand our movement. Most importantly, we are developing our digital campaigning capacity so that we are able to continue our efforts at a time when Covid-19 makes our traditional campaigning methods more difficult.
     
    Political engagement is above all a social activity, and we all look forward to a time when we can resume a programme of meetings and public campaigning.  In the meantime, we must and will continue to make the important arguments to safeguard our European values and interests which are under attack as never before by all means available.
     
    I am very grateful for your continued support at this important time.
     
    Kind Regards,
     
    Stephen Dorrell
    Chair, European Movement UK 
  • published Dominic Grieve and Molly Scott Cato join the European Movement in News from European Movement UK 2020-03-17 11:01:26 +0000

    Former Conservative MP Dominic Grieve and Former Green MEP Molly Scott Cato have joined the National Council of the European Movement. 

    Their appointments come as the organisation charts a new course following the election, and is now focused on holding the government to account and ensuring that European rights, values, and standards are upheld in British law following the end of the Brexit transition period. 

     

    Commenting, Dominic Grieve said: 

    “When I spoke at the Grassroots for Europe conference in January I was struck by the passion and enthusiasm of European Movement activists. The UK may have now left the European Union, but the movement’s 126 local groups in communities across the UK are continuing to mobilise and work towards the closest possible relationship with our European partners. It is a privilege to work alongside them” 

     

    Molly Scott Cato, former Green MEP said:

    “The UK may have now left the European Union, but despite what Boris Johnson would like you to believe, Brexit isn’t done. With the Prime Minister threatening to walk away from trade negotiations if no agreement is reached by June, it is more important than ever that European Movement activists continue to urge the government to aim for a settlement that maintains the vital legal protections offered by our EU membership. I look forward to working with the European Movement’s network of campaigners across the country to help shape our future relationship with our friends in Europe.” 

     

    European Movement Chair Stephen Dorrell welcomed the new appointments, saying: 

    “We are thrilled to welcome Dominic and Molly to the European Movement National Council. They may come from different parties, but both are exceptional leaders who recognise the importance of maintaining strong ties with the European Union and its member states. Their voices will be a valuable asset to our organisation as we fight to ensure that Boris Johnson’s government is challenged to justify itself each time it takes a decision to deviate away from European values and norms.”

  • published Cost of Brexit soars to £4.4 billion in News from European Movement UK 2020-03-06 11:57:47 +0000

    According to a report released this morning by the National Audit Office, Brexit preparations have cost the British taxpayer over £4bn.

    The report states that government departments have already spent at least £4.4 billion of the £6.3 billion allocated for Brexit preparations. 

    According to the independent spending watchdog, '£1.9 billion went towards staffing costs; £288 million was spent on expertise and external advice; and £1.5 billion on activities such as building new systems and infrastructure'.

    Commenting on the report, European Movement chair Stephen Dorrell said: 

    “This report highlights the astounding cost of Brexit that has been hidden from the public.

    The £4.4 billion already spent on Brexit preparations only represents what the government has spent, and does not take into account the costs to businesses and the public caused by the government's shifting outcomes and timetables, not to mention the Brexit process itself.

    The astonishing £1.9 billion already spent on staffing costs follows on from the news last week that the government will need to recruit 50,000 new customs officers within the next six months whose job it will be to increase bureaucracy at our borders.

    The report also highlights the disproportionate cost of a No deal Brexit. We already know that businesses have been saddled with significant costs due to the prolonged uncertainty of the Brexit process. This makes Boris Johnson's threats of an "Australian style" trade deal - which is really no deal in disguise - if trade negotiations are not completed by June even more worrying.

    The lack of detail and limited data contained in the report is indicative of the secretive way that the government is delivering Brexit. Once again, there is an appalling lack of transparency which indicates that the government is avoiding the critique and accountability that is necessary for such a significant political event.

    Boris Johnson is insisting on delivering one of the greatest constitutional changes in half a century behind smoke and mirrors, without the democratic accountability we expect of our government.”

     

     

  • published Pitfalls of a Trump Trade Deal in News from European Movement UK 2020-03-03 09:01:24 +0000

    A US-UK Free Trade Agreement was a key prize highlighted by the Leave campaign during the referendum. Yesterday we got a sneak peak into what that may look like and we are considering whether this trade deal is quite the prize that we were told it would be.

    The US’s Objectives

    Since the US published its negotiating objectives in February 2019, the US has been very clear about its objectives for a trade deal. Concerns have been raised that these objectives could impact welfare, health and the environment in the UK.

    The UK’s Objectives

    Yesterday, the UK released its approach to UK-US trade deal negotiations (you can read the full mandate here). There are 4 key parts of the UK’s objectives that jump out as significant.

    1. Increase in GDP?

    Yesterday’s negotiating objectives highlight the fact that UK GDP could increase. However, the government’s own report predicts an increase of just 0.16% boost to the UK’s economy in a best-case scenario.

    This small figure is even more negligible when compared to the considerable cost that Brexit has had and will continue to have.

    2. Environmental Impact

    The document says that the agreement will be “in line with the Government’s ambition on climate”. However, later in the document the government warns that the trade agreement could lead to an "increase the intensive use of chemical inputs and increase threats to biodiversity".

    We are facing a climate crisis and we must not allow the environmental standards we enjoyed as part of the EU to drop. Instead we must either maintain or increase environmental standards, and the US trade-deal is one to watch.

    3. Food standards

    From Chlorinated Chicken to industrial scale farming with low animal welfare standards, food standards has been a key sticking point when it comes to a US-UK trade deal. Here is a list of just some of the potential food standards issuesthat we could face in a US-UK trade deal. As part of the EU we enjoyed much higher food standards than in the US, and this is not something we want to see change post-Brexit.

    The objectives, at first glance seem to be saying all the right things: “This will include not compromising on our high environmental protection, animal welfare and food standards.”

    However, it is unlikely that the US will sign a deal that does not have food standards in it. The negotiating team may see food standards as a small sacrifice to make for a big trade deal. Whilst Boris Johnson may choose not reduce UK food standards, the risk of the US importing food produced at a far lower standard and undercutting UK farmers is high.

    4. The NHS

    There was uproar following the statement from trump that “everything is on the table” when it comes to trade, including the NHS. This may be why the outline very clearly states that “the National Health Service (NHS) will not be on the table.”

    This will be relieving to many of us who were concerned that our NHS might be dissected and sold for parts. Whilst this is promising, the government must be held to account on this. The current standards that we enjoy in the NHS from free health care to the sale of pharmaceuticals must be maintained or exceeded. Furthermore, whilst the UK’s objectives are saying all the right things, the fundamental question will be: is it possible to keep the NHS off the table, especially with the Trump administration that has rolled back health care in the US.

    Are the UK’s negotiating objectives plausible?

    Commenting on the analysis, European Movement CEO Hugo Mann said:

    "When it comes to trade deals negotiating positions are important. After leaving the EU, the UK has to negotiate its own trade agreements for the first time in 40 years. Furthermore, it is negotiating trade deals with a number of other countries at the same time, not least the EU."

    "Not only is the UK’s position weaker in terms of trading clout, but it is also the underdog. The US economy is six times the size of the UK’s and the percentage of UK exports to the US are significantly higher than the US’s exports to the UK. Combine this with Trump’s “America First” attitude and it becomes clear that compromises are going to have to be made."

    "The UK has announced their objectives in a flurry of fighting talk, however, their position does not look promising. Therefore, we must fight to ensure that the standards that were maintained in the UK whilst we were part of the EU, are maintained and not weakened during these trade negotiations."

  • published Trade Negotiations: "We should be working together" in News from European Movement UK 2020-02-27 11:01:40 +0000

    The negotiating mandate published by the government this morning has laid out an alarming vision for the future where the United Kingdom will diverge from European Union regulations on key issues, risking the possibility that efforts to tackle climate change and unfair competition could be undermined.

    Commenting, European Movement Chair Stephen Dorrell said:

    “This is the first time since the end of the Second World War that the government has outlined a mandate for negotiations that will not tear down borders to trade but erect them. Despite claiming to be pro-trade and pro-enterprise, this government is actively taking steps to isolate ourselves from our closest neighbours.

    Boris Johnson and his government must not be permitted to use Brexit as an opportunity to do away with regulations protecting workers, the environment and standards.

    Instead of distancing ourselves from our partners in Europe, we should be working together to tackle the biggest issues of our time. This politics of protectionism only serves to erode our common interests and values.”

    Read More
  • published Bringing Communities Together in News from European Movement UK 2020-02-12 14:52:25 +0000

    Saturday saw the launch of our first ever Euro Café in Stratford-upon-Avon, set up jointly by Stratford4Europe and Warwick District 4 Europe. The idea behind the initiative is to offer friendship and support to EU nationals who may be struggling at this time. It was an extraordinary couple of hours filled with love, laughter, and some tears. We heard so many heart-breaking stories as a direct result of Brexit. Some of our members are also training to become Settled Angels to help with Settled Status applications at future events.

    More than 40 people attended the event and based on the feedback and interest we have received so far, we expect the number may be even higher at our next café in Leamington at the end of the month. Through these cafés we hope to stop the feeling of isolation and rejection that many EU nationals are currently feeling. We are stronger together!

    -Hazel, Warwick District for Europe 

    To learn more about Euro Café, click here.

  • published The Path Forward in News from European Movement UK 2020-01-29 14:17:44 +0000

    The European Movement is proudly led by the grassroots. Therefore, following the election, we surveyed our membership and activists about what our priorities should be going forward.

    The results revealed three central themes:

    • Ensuring that European values and standards are maintained
    • Pursuing a close relationship with Europe 
    • Highlighting the impact of Brexit and holding the government to account.  

    The European Movement remains committed to building an organization for the future which is worthy of our 70 year history. We will be announcing our next steps in greater detail at the Grassroots for Europe Conference tomorrow and following through over the weeks ahead. 

    Our central objective is and always has been to promote a close relationship with our European partners. We recognize, of course, that the Government has a mandate to implement Brexit, but we continue to believe the policy to be a profound national mistake. Therefore, we will exercise our democratic right to campaign, at both national and local levels, for the UK to retain strong ties with the European Union and its member states. 

    In keeping with the results of the survey, we will fight for as close a relationship with the EU as possible and to ensure that European values are upheld in law. We will show why we believe that a policy of alignment of rights and standards with the rest of Europe would offer better economic and social prospects to the British people. 

    We will, for example, support full British participation in European programmes which:

    - Address the global climate emergency;

    - Support economic and social development in low income countries;

    - Promote exchanges between European universities;

    Brexit is clearly now going to happen, but the European Movement will seek to expose its consequences – and hold to account those responsible. 

    Please join us as we take this next step. 

    JOIN THE MOVEMENT


    Kind Regards, 

    Stephen Dorrell

    Chair, European Movement UK

  • published Help Us Protect Child Refugees in News from European Movement UK 2020-01-21 16:26:42 +0000

    The Dubs amendment, submitted by Lord Alf Dubs (a Labour peer who fled the Nazis as a child on the Kindertransport scheme), would allow unaccompanied asylum-seeking children to come and live in the UK.

    Boris Johnson stripped the amendment from the EU Withdrawal Bill in December in a callous attempt to use the rights of unaccompanied child refugees as bargaining chips in the Government’s negotiations with the European Union.

    However, today the Lords voted to restore the Dubs amendment, and the issue will return to the Commons tomorrow.

    The European Movement is proud to join Safe Passage UK in calling on MPs to restore the Dubs amendment and protect child refugees post-Brexit.

    Write to your MP and tell them that the rights of child refugees should not be on the negotiating table.

    I'LL WRITE TO MY MP NOW

     

     

  • published Statement from Stephen Dorrell in News from European Movement UK 2020-01-06 16:49:36 +0000
    Thank you for your support for the European Movement in our campaign against Brexit. Sadly, you know the result, and I will not go into my views on the reasons here!

    The European Movement will continue to fight for the UK to have the closest possible links, economically, culturally, politically, intellectually, and socially with the EU and its Member States (as we have been doing for 70 years). The executive team have been in discussion and the National Council is meeting just into the New Year to decide our approach.

    It is likely that our Movement’s focus will include the following: putting real effort into becoming a mass membership organisation; leading the debate at local level, creating multi level opportunities for advocating for the EU and its proper understanding, including supporting EU citizens who are in the UK; participating at a national level on issues relating to the UK’s relationship with the EU; and holding the government to account both for Brexit promises and actions.

    We would welcome your support and you can join here if you want to be a part of our campaign.
    I'LL JOIN YOU

    I will update you shortly with more information, which I hope will continue to have your support. 

    Stephen Dorrell
    Chair
  • published Boris Johnson's Brexit deal in News from European Movement UK 2019-10-17 17:42:59 +0100

    Today, it was announced that Boris Johnson and the EU have agreed to a deal. Let me say in no uncertain terms: this new deal will have catastrophic consequences for both the economy and the union.  

    Just last year, Boris Johnson said that ‘no Conservative government’ could sign up to a border on the Irish sea. Yet that is exactly what his disastrous hard Brexit proposal does. Johnson’s Brexit plan risks ripping apart the very fabric of our precious union seam by seam. As a lifelong Conservative, this deal goes against everything that my party has traditionally stood for.

    Quote from Heseltine

    It is time to decide what kind of future we want for Britain.

    It is clear that the prime minister cannot be trusted. The people, not Boris Johnson, must have the final say on Brexit.

    Just seven months ago, I said these words in parliament square at what was one of the biggest protests in British history:

    “Walk tall. Keep the faith. Go back to your villages, your towns and your cities. Tell them you were here. Here, In parliament square. Outside the buildings that inspire parliamentary democracy. Fighting for our tomorrow. In peace. Secure. The bitterness and bloodshed of Europe’s past buried with its history.”

    Since then, European Movement activists have heeded my call. They’ve handed out an astounding 1.5 million leaflets in villages and cities across this great land. They’ve arranged 173 coaches from communities across the UK.

    On Saturday, we will make history again. We will once again come together in parliament square and say with one unified voice: we demand a People’s Vote. Parliament will be sitting. History will be made. The time is now.

    We must stop Boris Johnson and the hard-right cabal currently squatting in Downing Street. Will you donate to help our activists put a stop to this hard-line right-wing agenda?  

    DONATE

    Together, we will make this march even bigger than the last. Together, we will fight for Britain’s place at the heart of Europe. Together, we will alter the course of history.

     

     

    Join us in demanding a People's Vote by Marching with us this Saturday:

    Peoples Vote March

    Or tell Boris Johnson that:

    We demand a People's Vote

  • published A Huge Victory for Democracy in News from European Movement UK 2019-09-24 12:44:35 +0100

    Our CEO, Patrick Heneghan, responds to today's Supreme Court ruling. 

     

    Today, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the government's prorogation of Parliament was UNLAWFUL.

    This decision is a huge victory for the rule of law.

    Boris Johnson cannot be trusted to defend our democracy.

    Enough is Enough.

    It’s time to trust the people. It’s time for a People’s Vote.

    Together we can stop this undemocratic government in its tracks. Can you chip in to help us today?

    Stop Boris' Brexit Deal