The outcomes of yesterday’s UK/EU conference clearly represent a major move in the right direction. It’s the first time since 2016 that the negotiation process between the UK and the EU has amounted to anything more than hostilities, or (more recently) damage limitation.
Best for Britain’s summary of yesterday’s results is as follows (I quote)
“Easier travel: British holidaymakers will be able to skip queues at border control using EU eGates (and bring their pets on holiday with them).
Youth opportunities: A new youth mobility scheme and re-entry to student exchange programme Erasmus+ is on the horizon.
Cheaper food: Red tape is being cut, keeping food standards high, helping lower food prices and reducing waste.
Working in Europe: Progress is being made on recognising professional qualifications and supporting artists and business travellers.
A Security and Defence Partnership: Support for Ukraine, access to the EU’s €150 billion defence fund, and deeper cooperation on crime and pandemic preparedness.
Lower bills: Energy market cooperation that could cut household costs.”
Best for Britain’s tone is optimistic, and rightly so; we need enthusiasm now to keep the momentum carrying us forward to a more complete reconnection with Europe. And we must not allow ourselves to be unnerved by the ferocity of the Tories and Reform in their denunciations. Reform have already threatened to reverse everything that has been achieved, just as soon as they can. The Tories will doubtless threaten the same. It is hardly surprising that the EU regards the UK with considerable caution, with those voices dominating our political discourse. And it is clearly crucial that the new agreement be seen to work for the benefit of the British people. The realising of those benefits will expose Reform and the Tories for the wreckers they are.
derby4europe 