A vote to leave is the only way to achieve major EU reform.
19 February 2016 Commenting on the renegotiated terms of Britain’s membership of the EU, Frank Field MP says: ‘What a choice our poor old country faces. There’s widespread support amongst voters across Europe (but not leading politicians) for a fundamental EU reform programme, but our Government never seriously considered leading on this front. Yet the Government so lacked ability that it couldn’t even achieve the minimal reform programme it cobbled together.
Holding the referendum in June was
clearly more important than winning
major reforms.
‘The Government has failed to secure
the key renegotiation requirement,
namely, that we should regain control
of our borders. I shall therefore be
campaigning to leave the EU.
‘There are three crucial aspects of this
campaign which will underpin victory.
First, we must support those Labour
voters who are critical to a victory to
turn out and vote, despite the pro-EU
line the Labour establishment will push.
‘Second, as the referendum will decide
the future of our country, we need to
debate in a civilised way and also join others
from different parties who hold similar critical
views about these unsuccessful renegotiations.
‘Third, a successful vote to leave is now
the only option open to ensure the fundamental
reform of the EU on which the Government
should have embarked. An express wish of
the British voters to leave will have a huge
impact on voters and even governments in
other EU countries. It’s not inconceivable
that, as we press for an orderly withdrawal,
other EU countries will join with us in
negotiating their exit. We must be prepared
for this wider scenario and respond in the best
interests of Britain and Europe.’
clearly more important than winning
major reforms.
‘The Government has failed to secure
the key renegotiation requirement,
namely, that we should regain control
of our borders. I shall therefore be
campaigning to leave the EU.
‘There are three crucial aspects of this
campaign which will underpin victory.
First, we must support those Labour
voters who are critical to a victory to
turn out and vote, despite the pro-EU
line the Labour establishment will push.
‘Second, as the referendum will decide
the future of our country, we need to
debate in a civilised way and also join others
from different parties who hold similar critical
views about these unsuccessful renegotiations.
‘Third, a successful vote to leave is now
the only option open to ensure the fundamental
reform of the EU on which the Government
should have embarked. An express wish of
the British voters to leave will have a huge
impact on voters and even governments in
other EU countries. It’s not inconceivable
that, as we press for an orderly withdrawal,
other EU countries will join with us in
negotiating their exit. We must be prepared
for this wider scenario and respond in the best
interests of Britain and Europe.’
