Charter for Remain - The Independent Group for Change
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Charter for Remain
These elections offer you the chance
to send a simple message: we want
a People’s Vote and we want to remain
in the European Union.
Our politics is broken. Our main We could no longer remain a part
parties have drifted to the ideological of this dysfunctional system, so
fringes and are failing to provide the we founded what is now Change
leadership our country needs. The UK in February. We left the
Conservative Party is increasingly outdated cultures of Labour and
controlled by its right wing; Labour the Conservatives behind. We want
by the hard left. Neither is competent. to provide an alternative – one
Both are failing to speak up for the based on the values which we
kind of open-minded, open-hearted know matter to the British people:
Britain we are. a strong economy, our country
playing a leading role in the world,
The 11 Change UK MPs put protecting our environment, investing
everything on the line by leaving the in our public services and building
Conservative and Labour parties to a vibrant, healthy democracy where
work for a better alternative, precisely we campaign for our beliefs with
because the country deserves better. decency and respect.
Brexit is the biggest symbol of our At these European elections,
broken system – and the main that alternative will be on the
parties are the cause. We have ballot paper. Where our broken
spent more than three years main parties offer you division,
consumed by it, thanks to the we are united. Where they focus
divisions in the Conservative Party on internal arguments, our vision
and a desperate lack of opposition for Britain’s future is clear.
from Jeremy Corbyn. Where they put their own narrow
political interest first, we will
Politics shouldn’t be like this. We always put the country first.
should not be faced with a choice
between a divided Conservative The Brexit process has divided our
Party, with a weak Prime Minister at country for too long. It has stifled
war with her own backbenchers, or the debate and prevented us from
a Labour leadership which refuses focusing on the real challenges we
to come off the fence and back our need to solve. We can’t wait any
place in Europe. You deserve better. longer. Send our broken main parties
a message:
It’s time for change.
Vote for Change UK.Remain in
the EU
Britain today can feel like a divided Great British products from Cornish We are stronger, safer and
country. There are times when it feels pasties to Scotch whisky are better off in the EU. Change UK
like we have completely forgotten protected by EU rules. All of this and MEPs will:
how to debate issues in a reasonable more continues to be at risk from
way. Parliament cannot agree on those, like Nigel Farage, who would •C
ampaign for your right to a final
anything and is falling apart. Our drag us out of Europe and back say in a People’s Vote – and we will
political parties have exacerbated in time. campaign for Remain, making the
the problem: pitting those with positive case for Britain in Europe
means against those with less; urban While the other parties may be fearful
against rural; old versus young. Our about these European Parliamentary •A
rgue passionately for an open,
politics is broken. elections, we embrace them. We frictionless border on the island of
believe that the European Parliament Ireland, consistent with the Good
The argument about Europe is not is a forum the UK must be involved Friday Agreement and with the
the cause of this, but it is the biggest in. We have a powerful role as a UK’s full participation in the Single
symbol of it. When Tory Prime rule-maker around the table, not Market and EU
Minister David Cameron bowed to just a rule-taker, obeying laws made
the right wing of his party and said without Britain being present. •S
eek to amend any Brexit ‘deal’
that we would have a referendum presented to the European
on our membership of the European Britain being in Europe is not just Parliament so that it is subject to a
Union, he fired the starting gun on in the national interest – it is in our People’s Vote
a period of uncertainty and bitterness communities’ interests, our families’
interests and in our interests. But it •N
ot vote for any final Brexit
which has disfigured our national
is not simply that we are better off in proposal if the British public
life – and which has hit you in
the EU. For many, of all generations, themselves have not approved it
the pocket.
being part of Europe is an expression
Business investment in our country of British values. One of the most
has stalled. Our economic growth inspiring things about the past few
has slowed to a crawl. By some years has been an increasingly
measures, your household income is patriotic movement which is proud
£1,500 a year lower today than we of Britain and is unapologetically
were promised in 2016. There may pro-European. Over 6 million people
be more people in work, but prices signed the petition to revoke Article
are rising and pay is barely going up. 50; a million wrapped themselves
The UK has experienced the sharpest in the EU flag and marched to
slowdown of any major economy. Parliament’s front door. These were
Oddly enough, none of this was not the acts of ‘traitors’ or ‘enemies
on the side of Boris Johnson’s big of the people’ – but those of patriots
red bus. who believe in a brighter future
for Britain: one where we act in
The Government’s own assessments partnership with our friends and allies
show that Brexit in any form – in a Europe of equals.
including the ‘soft Brexit’ options of
‘Common Market 2.0’ or a customs Your values are ours. We want to
union – will harm our economy and put the chaos and division of the
leave us worse off than we are now. past few years behind us. The Brexit
There is no Brexit deal which is voted for three years ago is simply
better than the one we have now as undeliverable. The only way to
members of the EU. reconcile the country is to give the
final say on whether to proceed with
Right now, you have the right to Brexit, as it is today, to the people.
live, work and retire anywhere in the Over 2 million young people who
European Union. Millions of British couldn’t vote in 2016 have become
jobs are linked to our membership. eligible to vote and their futures will
As a consumer, you are protected be affected by Brexit more than any
anywhere in Europe. Roaming one group. Their voice must
charges have been abolished. be heard.Reform
the EU
There were many reasons behind Remain prosperous We need to remain in Europe
the 2016 vote to leave the European so that we can build a fairer,
Union, not least that people felt that We need an economy that increases stronger economy. Change UK
politics and the economy weren’t opportunity and reduces poverty. It MEPs will work within the EU
working for them. The truth is that must close the gaps between north institutions to:
we need fundamental change to and south, regions and nations,
address the issues which drove rich and poor. We must focus on •F
ight Brexit austerity which flows
that vote. We strongly believe that skills, training and a proper system from any form of exiting the EU and
leaving the EU won’t help resolve which helps people as they change expose the waste of money spent
any of the challenges we face, but career. We must prepare for the on preparations for ‘no deal’
we do recognise that addressing rise of automation and support
them is critically important. That’s investment in the industries of the •P
rioritise the long-term interests of
why although stopping Brexit and future where, thanks to its world- the next generation, including a new
remaining in Europe is a first step, leading universities and science focus on skills and preparedness
it’s not enough. The EU itself needs infrastructure, Britain is well for the impact of automation on
reform, so that it better focuses and placed to lead. Everyone should the workplace
delivers on the things which matter be able to make the most of
these opportunities. •S
upport the continued free
to you.
movement of people across the 28
Like any political institution, the Change UK will always make the European Union nations
EU isn’t perfect. It can feel too case for immigration and its benefits.
We welcome those who want to •E
nsure Britain remains a great
distant from us, with too few
bring their ideas and energy to destination for international
MEPs being well-known to their
Britain; who want to work hard, students
constituents. Change UK MEPs will
be campaigners in their communities contribute to our society and build
•A
dvocate fair trade deals for the
and advocates for reform. The entire a better life for themselves and
UK as part of the EU, using the
Parliament regularly ups sticks and their families. Immigration is a net
leverage of the entire continent
moves from Brussels to Strasbourg, positive for our country. Where it
to ensure we get better social,
which is a completely unnecessary poses challenges to some of our
economic and environmental
waste of time and money – so we communities, we need to take action;
outcomes in line with the values
should put an end to that back and for example, central government
we share
forth. The EU Budget needs to be should be properly supporting local
refocused on the investments which authorities. But we see newcomers
can give us the most return and not as a security risk, but as Britons-
elements of it, like the Common in-waiting. We support the freedom
Agricultural Policy, desperately of movement which gives you the
need reform. right to holiday, work, live and love
in other EU countries – and which
breaks down barriers and builds
links between the United Kingdom
and our European neighbours. At a
time of global insecurity and division,
this unity should be celebrated and
defended. We are more powerful
when we work together.Remain healthy • Expose and oppose the fall in We need to remain in Europe
revenues allocated to our NHS as a so that we can be a part of the
The Leave campaign knowingly lied result of the damage Brexit will do international action needed to
about the £350 million extra a week to our economy tackle climate change. Change
they claimed would go into the NHS UK MEPs will:
as a result of the Brexit vote. They • Fight to hold the UK Government
pledged this non-existent bonanza to account for ignoring the vote of •A
rgue for reaching carbon ‘net zero’
to the NHS. The truth is there is no Parliament to make it a negotiating emissions at least by 2050 with a
bonanza – only extra cost. objective for the UK to continue stretch target ambition for 2045 if
to participate in the European the evidence shows it is feasible;
Brexit will be a disaster for our medicines regulatory network
hospitals, science and research, •S
upport a transition away from
social care and public health. It will Remain united on tackling sales of new petrol and diesel cars
be bad for our health workforce – if climate change and vans by 2030;
they leave the UK, patients and those
who are dependent on care will bear We are in a climate emergency. •W
ork with industry to phase out
the brunt. It will be bad for getting Climate change is accelerating and non-essential single-use plastics
the medicines we need, which have the Government’s action falls short of by 2025;
a short shelf-life and which we risk what is required. Difficult decisions
losing if we leave the EU without need to be made now, because how •A
dvocate higher standards for new-
a deal. we live, the goods we consume and build, with all new stock built to
the energy we generate will need carbon neutral standards by 2025,
This impact would be on top of the to be transformed. We must agree incorporating tough new regulations
loss of expertise and opportunity stronger water and energy standards on energy and water efficiency
which we have already experienced for new-build homes; change how
with the departure of the European we consume energy in those homes; •C
ommit to supporting and
Medicines Agency, and the loss of adopt and expand renewables; developing a diverse energy base
research networks of which we were reform our transport, automotive which makes use of a range of
an important part. We also face and other industries – working with renewables, including hydrogen and
losing the benefits of guaranteed them to protect jobs; and make the tidal power; and
healthcare which we currently enjoy transition to a circular economy.
•C
all for an increase in the areas
when we live and travel in the EU. Europe is absolutely essential to
designated for nature protection
this – not least because of our
We need to remain in the EU so across the UK and EU – and
membership of the Emissions Trading
that we can get on with the job commit to improving our natural
Scheme, which is the key mechanism
of building a healthier nation. environment and high-carbon
for managing carbon reductions.
Change UK MEPs will: natural habitats
The way in which we renew our
• Support the recruitment, retention natural environment will be critical.
and valuing of the nurses, doctors Poor management of this means
and healthcare professionals who that the natural world around us is
are essential to our NHS – keeping no longer playing its proper role in
the UK an attractive place to live sequestering carbon. Improving our
and work soil quality and uplands restoration
are critically important to meeting the
• Defend UK citizens’ right to challenge. We must work with those
healthcare when living and travelling who are closest to our countryside –
in EU countries our farmers and agricultural
• Vote for the UK to be reinstated industry – to invest in research
around the table as a full and find new ways of significantly
decision-maker in the European reducing emissions.
Medicines AgencyRemain Stronger
in the World
In these turbulent times, Britain Despite international agreements We need to remain in the EU so
should stand with her allies in what to end all forms of extreme poverty that we can defend our values
is not just an economic alliance but by 2030, there are still millions for and play our part in the world.
a security one, too. Our place on whom there is no plan or investment Change UK MEPs will:
the UN Security Council and our to help them escape a miserable
leading role in NATO are critical, but existence; and there are more •S
upport the UK playing its full part
our membership of the EU is also refugees now than at any time since in international institutions such as
essential. Being part of the EU does 1945. Whenever disaster strikes, it NATO, the UN and the European
not dilute or crowd out our voice – it is women and girls who experience Union as the best way to amplify
multiplies our power as we act in it most acutely, so it cannot be right British values in an unstable world
concert with those who share our that only a fraction of humanitarian
values of freedom and democracy. aid is spent on tackling the epidemic •S
eek the development by the EU
of gender-based violence in crises. It of new international institutions to
The world continues to shrink rapidly is only through urgent and energetic meet modern global challenges,
thanks to advances in technology international co-operation that we including corporate tax avoidance
and the global economy. In such a can reverse this trend and lay the and evasion; internet safety; and
world, the challenges which face us foundations of peace and prosperity. climate change
cross borders – and the only way to
solve them is by working together. Playing our part means putting our •S
upport reforms which make
Britain has never been a country to values into action. We have to accept it more likely that humanitarian
pull up the drawbridge and turn its that there are threats from those on assistance to vulnerable
back on the world. We are innovators Europe’s borders who do not share populations and those suffering
and explorers. Our way is to face up our values and who would do us distress and persecution can be
to challenges and work with our allies harm. Russia’s behaviour in recent delivered swiftly and intervention
to tackle them. That’s the approach years has been unacceptable and we can be more effective
we need now – and the one which should continue to stand shoulder
has always been the most true to to shoulder with our partners in
who we are. Europe in the face of this threat. We
should also be concerned about the
That means speaking up for our potential security risks from greater
values within the halls of the EU. use of Chinese technology in our
Today there is a movement within national infrastructure and seek to
some parts of Europe for ‘illiberal build consensus within Europe about
democracy’. We reject this approach engagement with Beijing. Cyber
as contrary to our values. threats from the Middle East, notably
Iran, must be defended against –
The EU was born to bring European and any EU efforts to bring peace
nations together after decades of between Israel and the Palestinians
terrible conflict. Now we need to must be supported.
work together to stabilise the EU’s
‘near abroad’. We will support efforts Britain has always played a
to work with the countries of the leading role on the world stage.
Mediterranean and North Africa – but Our conviction is that our country
we will not turn away search and must play its full part in all forms of
rescue boats from safe harbour. international co-operation. In doing
so, we will increase our impact and
influence on world events, as we
always have.The Values
Behind Remain
Our primary duty as a political We believe: • Individuals are capable of taking
party is to put the best interests responsibility if opportunities are
of the people of this country first • Ours is a great country of which offered to them, everybody can
and foremost. people are rightly proud, where the and should make a contribution to
first duty of government must be to society and that contribution should
Our aim is to pursue policies that are defend its people and do whatever be recognised. Paid work should be
evidence-based, not led by ideology, it takes to safeguard Britain’s secure and pay should be fair.
taking a long-term perspective to national security.
the challenges of the 21st century •O
ur free media, the rule of law and
in the national interest. We must no • Britain works best as a diverse, our open, tolerant and respectful
longer be locked in the old politics mixed social market economy, democratic society should be
of the 20th century, which put party in which well-regulated private cherished and renewed.
interest first. enterprise can reward aspiration
and drive economic progress •W
e believe that our parliamentary
We recognise the value of healthy and where government has the democracy in which our elected
debate, are tolerant towards different responsibility to ensure the representatives deliberate,
opinions and will seek to reach sound stewardship of taxpayers’ decide and provide leadership,
across divides, building consensus money and a stable, fair and held accountable by their whole
to tackle Britain’s problems. balanced economy. electorate is the best system of
representing the views of the
• A strong economy means we can British people.
invest in our public services. We
believe the collective provision of • In order to face the challenges
public services and the NHS can and opportunities presented
be delivered through government by globalisation, migration and
action, improving health and technological advances, we
educational life chances, protecting believe the multilateral, international
the public, safeguarding the rules-based order must be
vulnerable, ensuring dignity at every strengthened and reformed.
stage of life and placing individuals We believe in maintaining strong
at the heart of decision-making. alliances with our closest European
and international allies on trade,
• The people of this country have regulation, defence, security and
the ability to create fairer, more counter-terrorism.
prosperous communities for present
and future generations. We believe •A
s part of the global community
that this creativity is best realised we have a responsibility to
in a society which fosters individual future generations to protect our
freedom and supports all families. environment, safeguard the planet,
plan development sustainably
• The barriers of poverty, prejudice and to act on the urgency of
and discrimination facing climate change.
individuals should be removed
and advancement occur on the •P
ower should be devolved to the
basis of merit, with inequalities most appropriate level, trusting
reduced through the extension of and involving local communities.
opportunity, giving individuals the More powers and representation
skills and means to open new doors should be given to local government
and fulfil their ambitions. to act in the best interests of
their communities.Charter for Remain Remain in Europe Remain prosperous Remain healthy Remain united on tackling climate change Remain stronger in the world For a People’s Vote. For Remain. Vote Change UK on 23 May Printed by TOD London UK Ltd., 1 Onslow Street, London EC1N 8AS. Promoted by Harry Burns on behalf of Change UK – The Independent Group MEP candidates all at 52 Grosvenor Gardens, London SW1W 0AU voteforchange.uk
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