THE Green Party has today launched its campaign for Britain to remain a member of the European Union. The party has pledged to 'mobilise its thousands of members and hundreds of thousands of supporters' to make the case for British membership of the EU.
At the launch, which took place earlier today in Westminster, Caroline Lucas MP promised that her party would run a 'a bold, positive campaign that celebrates what the EU has given us'. She also said that her part would be 'unique' in making a positive case for free movement within the EU.
The Green Party leader, Natalie Bennett, said that her party will be 'the loudest voice in the campaign for staying in the EU and reforming it'.
At the launch, Caroline Lucas MP said:
“The Green Party has a unique voice in this debate. We’re going to run a bold, positive campaign that celebrates what the EU has given us. Not only has the EU brought us key environmental protections and rights at work – but it’s been central to securing a lasting peace within this continent after centuries of conflict.
“We’ll also be unique in making the positive case for free movement within the EU – and the right we all have to work, study and retire across a whole continent.
“We don’t believe in scaring people into voting ‘yes’. Instead we’re going to make a positive case for what the EU has done – and for the changes we’d like to see to make it work better for the citizens of Europe. We’ll be mobilising our thousands of members and hundreds of thousands of supporters to make that case in every corner of this country.
“To make Europe better we need to stay in. That’s why our campaign for a better EU begins now but doesn’t end at the referendum. We want a more accountable and transparent EU and we look forward to working across borders to make that happen.”
Speaking at the launch at Church House this morning, Natalie Bennett, Green Party Leader, said:
"All of us benefit from decisions made by the European Union and I’m delighted that we have a referendum because Greens want to rebalance the debate by putting forward the benefits of staying In.
"We know the EU isn’t perfect, however, which is why we’re going to be the loudest voice in the campaign for staying in and reforming it.
"Every vote to remain In on June 23 matters, but with the polls as close as they are it could very well be Green votes that ensure that the UK stays in the European Union. A high turnout is crucial for our democracy and we will be campaigning tirelessly to encourage people to register to vote."