Dear Editor,
Thomas Kielinger (Observer, Business and Media 18th October) asks why there is not a clear argument for 'Europe' from Britain's politicians. Well, I have three simple reasons why it is in Britain's best interest to be a member of a well-functioning EU: idealistic, selfish and pragmatic.
The idealistic reason is that in a continent whose history is tainted by hundreds of years of war, the EU has helped create 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 group of neighbouring countries who are highly dependent on each other and which need to find common solutions to common problems such as improving the environment or protecting consumers. The selfish reason for our membership 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.
Yours,
Richard Corbett
Labour MEP for Yorkshire & Humber
Blenheim Terrace, Leeds
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