Caroline Lucas and Rt Hon Dominic Grieve KC have been unveiled as the new Co-Presidents of European Movement UK, the country’s fastest-growing pro-European organisation. The announcement, made at the organisation’s AGM on Saturday, 16th November, at Birkbeck College, London, marks a significant step in the fight for a closer UK-EU relationship.
The joint leadership of Caroline Lucas and Dominic Grieve, representing two distinct ends of the political spectrum, embodies the spirit of cross-party collaboration essential to addressing the challenges facing the UK today.
At the meeting, the movement also thanked outgoing President, Michael Heseltine, who will continue as a patron of the organisation.
Here is a clip from Lord Heseltine’s valedictory speech, in which he restated the fundamental role of the European Movement in countering the politics of division and hatred, and advocating for a return to the heart of Europe: watch the video here
Lord Heseltine, who will continue as a Patron of the organisation, said:
“The return of Donald Trump to the White House, Labour’s proposed ‘reset’ in UK-EU relations, and the UK’s urgent need for economic growth underscore the importance of strengthening cooperation with our European partners.
“With over 23,000 members, a powerful grassroots network, and strong connections across the political landscape, European Movement UK, with Caroline and Dominic as Co-Presidents, is uniquely positioned to drive this agenda forward, delivering tangible benefits for people and businesses across the UK.”
Commenting on the announcement, Dominic Grieve KC, former Attorney General, said:
“In an era where global challenges continue to multiply—from continued Russian aggression in Ukraine to the resurgence of authoritarianism—the United Kingdom’s relationship with Europe is more crucial than ever.
“We must strengthen cooperation to bolster our collective security, drive economic prosperity, and uphold the rule of law. A closer, more effective partnership with the EU is the only way to safeguard our shared values and protect our way of life.
“As Co-Presidents of European Movement UK, Caroline Lucas and I will be proudly working to put the UK back at the heart of Europe.”
Caroline Lucas, the UK’s first Green Party MP, echoed this sentiment, emphasising the urgency of the task ahead:
“It’s a huge honour to have been appointed as Co-President of the European Movement, especially at such a pivotal time. The prospect of Donald Trump in the White House should focus minds on the importance of being guided by our values, and on urgently rebuilding our relationship with the EU as the best way to ensure economic, security and climate resilience."
“This is a fight for our planet, for fairness, and for future generations. The European Movement UK is a dynamic cross-party force, and Dominic Grieve and I are committed to building a closer, stronger relationship with Europe to drive meaningful change.”
Alongside the appointment of the two new co-Presidents, the meeting also approved the appointment of five new Vice-Presidents, bringing experience and perspectives from across the political spectrum: Layla Moran MP (Liberal Democrat), Marsha de Cordova MP (Labour), Tobias Ellwood (Conservative), Stephen Gethins MP (SNP), and Carmen Smith (Plaid Cymru).