The Lib Dem Position on Europe

2.04.00pm GMT Tue 6th Mar 2007

It seems that many councillors up and down the country are being threatened by anti-EU groups that they will lose votes by supporting Europe. The Liberal Democrats are unashamedly pro-European and believe that these campaigns are based on misinformation. The current LibDem position is set out below, although many in LDEG disagree on certain points including federalism.

"We believe that the UK should see the EU for what it is: a way of tackling shared problems, upholding shared values, and settling disputes between traditionally fractious neighbours and by applying the rule of law.

However, we are not uncritical in our attitudes towards Europe. We reject the idea of creating a centralised European 'super state.' Furthermore, we are committed to Britain maintaining a national veto on fundamental constitutional issues such as budgetary and taxation matters, and the right of the House of Commons to decide if British troops are ever sent into military conflict.

We believe that the EU is best placed to push for economic liberalisation, balanced with social and environmental objectives, throughout Europe. Internationally, through the WTO and other international organisations, the EU, acting as a single negotiating bloc, can champion liberalism; pressing for open markets which will offer real opportunities for the growth of developing countries. Therefore, EU membership not only opens important markets to the UK, but gives the opportunity to promote greater fair trade globally.

We support the expansion of the European Union and strongly agree with the principle of the free movement of people within it. Migrants from the European Union have brought substantial economic benefits to the UK and have for some time underpinned the continued growth of our economy.

We live in an increasingly interdependent world. It is to the European institutions that we must turn to tackle and overcome genuine problems and threats which cannot be adequately addressed by Westminster alone. To challenges such as climate change and international terrorism, the only meaningful response is a collective one."

There will be an opportunity in the near future to give your views on Europe to the Lib Dem policy makers via the policy website.