Peter North,
31/10/2015
The referendum and what follows will determine the future
direction of our country. This is a critical moment in our history. A decision
of such importance demands a campaign that will always be honest and rational. In
explaining the issues and our options we will only deal in researched and
referenced facts, so you can have confidence in everything we say and the
accuracy of the information we share.
We believe our future prosperity depends on our country leaving
the EU. In that, those who join our campaign are united. But we must make a
distinction.
While the EU has many faults, it will continue to play a huge part in the
economic and social life of the continent, so we will need to maintain good
relations with it. It is our aim to be its best friend but a critical friend,
while being a good neighbour and reliable ally. In terms of the global
challenges we face, their problems are generally our problems too.
We do not see Brexit as an end to cooperation or participation in joint EU
programmes as these are to our mutual long term benefit. Far from being inward
looking, as an independent country we will be able to be more outward looking. While
we have our differences, we share the same values in principle, if not in
practise. To that end we will seek co-operate with the EU to bring the global
migration crisis to a resolution, combining our legal, scientific and
humanitarian expertise to bring salvation to those in need. We will use our
diplomatic influence and military power to protect lives and end conflicts
wherever the opportunity presents. Our doors will never be closed to those in
need of refuge.
It is our view that that liberty and openness are central to our prosperity and
it is our liberal, democratic values that make Britain the number one destination
for migrants the world over. We recognise their contribution as well as their
intrinsic value as human beings.
That will be balanced with our need to ensure that our security is not
threatened and that the safety net that underpins each and every one of us is
not abused. Through a century of struggle we have fought for rights and
entitlements that make us the envy of the world. It is our duty to ensure that
our immigration and asylum policy does not threaten that, lest we squander the
hard won victories of our forebears.
It is our view that engagement at the global level through active membership of
all the international bodies is essential to reforming the laws and rules that
shape our domestic policies. We must be able to participate directly in shaping
global rules while pursuing British priorities, have a vote, a right of
reservation and an independent veto. This is not permitted as an EU member
state. To that end we must choose intergovernmental co-operation instead of
supranational political control by a treaty organisation that seeks ever
greater integration and subordination of its member states.
We believe that Britain and Europe are stronger when Britain freely advances
its values on the world stage, working with nations and institutions the world
over to make Britain and Europe wealthier. It is our diversity from which we
draw our strength, and our liberty that affords us agility. From environmental
issues to human rights and workers’ rights, Britain has always been at the
forefront of international efforts and as an independent country we can do that
most effectively.
We do not believe our interests are properly served by the
EU advancing agendas on our behalf. We should be setting a standard for Europe to
follow rather than accepting suboptimal compromises. Brexit will provide us
with opportunity to demonstrate leadership in Europe and on the world
stage.
|