There is little doubt the summer is well and truly here. The sun is swelteringly hot here in Yorkshire and along with school children, the Parliament has broken up for recess.

I have yet to take a holiday and have so far used the break from Brussels to get around Yorkshire and see some of my constituents, including a very hot day campaigning for a Calderdale Council by-election.

With the vast majority of Britons taking their holidays within the EU (74 per cent of British holidays abroad are taken in just eight EU countries) the summer provides a timely reminder of the benefits membership brings.

Most recently the EU has made moves to reduce the cost of using a mobile phone in other member states, while it has helped ensure sun lovers know whether their suncream protects them from skin cancer as well as sunburn.

It is also important to remember that European legislation gives every worker in the EU, including temporary and part-time employees, 20 days paid holiday each year.

The EU’s blue flag quality standard has driven up the standard of beach cleanliness across the continent and means the majority of resorts, particularly in Britain, are now safe and a pleasure to swim in.

The European Health Insurance Card means all EU citizens are eligible for free emergency health care within member states. In also means we no longer have to fill in an E111 form every time we wish to travel within the EU.

Providing they meet strict health and safety criteria, pet passports mean dogs, cats, guinea pigs, rabbits, chinchillas and hamsters can all join you on your holiday in the EU without the need for quarantine.

What’s more, freedom of movement laws mean that if you like where you’ve been in the EU you are free to stay!