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We want Britain to be a leading player in a well-functioning EU for idealistic, pragmatic and selfish reasons. The idealistic reason is that the EU has helped create, in a continent previously torn apart by warfare, an area of peace and stability, where we can have our arguments around a negotiating table or across a debating chamber rather than on the battlefields of Europe. The pragmatic reason is that we are a set of highly interdependent countries with a need to find common solutions to common problems in a whole range of areas. The selfish reason is that it is vital for the British economy and British jobs, when the overwhelming majority of our exports are going to countries in the common market, that we have a voice in the institutions that set the rules for that market.

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Achievements in Europe

A regularly updated briefing lists 100 Labour achievements in Europe.

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Three reasons for the EU

Learn why there are idealistic, pragmatic and selfish reasons for Britain's membership of the EU.

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Recent press releases

21 May 2009 MEP's praise for Scarborough's Woodend Creative Centre Workspace
23 April 2009 Prepayment energy meter rip-off ended by new EU rules
1 April 2009 Increased leave for millions of UK workers
12 March 2009 Car safety laws will cut red-tape and costs for motorists
12 March 2009 MEP highlights European Consumer Day
16 December 2008 Victory over directory scams in European Parliament
18 November 2008 Free fruit for Yorkshire kids after European Parliament vote
22 October 2008 Thousands of workers set to recieve better pay following European Parliament vote
10 July 2008 EU-wide child alert system a "matter of urgency"
11 March 2008 MEPs welcome EU flood money to Yorkshire
15 February 2008 Corbett calls on EU to protect Yorkshire rhubarb
23 May 2007 Corbett hails mobile phone victory for consumers
9 February 2006 MEP welcomes 'right to roam' rule change
16 December 2005 No more disabled evictions thanks to Labour MEPs
15 December 2005 Batteries to be more environmentally friendly
18 February 2005 No more bumping off!
16 December 2004 Parliament votes €60 million for Northern Ireland peace process
10 November 2004 Tide turns against dirty bathing water

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Recent letters to editors

2 March 2008 News of the World - The purpose of the Europe-wide emergency number
29 February 2008 Tribune - The treaty will help MEPs fight for a fair Europe
13 December 2007 Yorkshire Evening Post - EU has built a peaceful continent
29 October 2007 Independent - The EU is indispensable to Britain
17 September 2007 Independent Three reasons for the UK be a member of the EU
6 September 2007 Morning Star EU needs support for its progressive policies
3 August 2007Yorkshire Evening Post Summertime and the living is easy
26 June 2007 Yorkshire Evening Post Explaining the benefits of the EU
14 May 2007 The Sunday Times UKIP leader uses Polish workers
13 January 2006 Daily Express Cross-border air travel laws aren't "meddling"
22 September Local and national presses Arrest warrant a success
14 September Daily Mail EU has a role in securing safer chemicals
5 September 2005 Huddersfield Daily Examiner Yorkshire does well out of EU
21 July 2005 York Evening Press New vitamin rules have been welcomed
21 July 2005 The Times Pros and cons of regulation

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