* Greens’ campaign is determined to push-back against anti-immigration rhetoric coming from the pro-Leave side
* Jean Lambert MEP: 'Freedom of movement is absolutely something to be celebrated, not eschewed.'
The Green Party is today setting out to show how freedom of movement is positive for the UK, with only 36 days to go in the countdown to the referendum on European Union membership.
The party’s Greens for a Better Europe campaign [1] sets out the many benefits enjoyed by British citizens who can easily live, work, study and retire abroad thanks to EU rules and the positive aspects EU citizens bring to Britain.
The Green Party are highlighting the fact that more than one million British-born people are living elsewhere in the EU [2]. These include more than 300,000 people in Spain, and nearly 200,000 in France. More than 10,000 students study at European universities every year and can benefit from EU funding via the Erasmus scheme. [3]
Greens are also pointing to research published last week by London School of Economics [4] which proved that EU migrants make an important net contribution to the UK economy, paying more in taxes than they take out.
The Greens’ campaign is determined to push-back against anti-immigration rhetoric coming from the pro-Leave side in the EU referendum debate. It is showing just how intertwined UK and EU lives are – there are 435,000 officially recorded couples in the UK made up of a British national in a relationship with someone of another EU nationality. [5]
Jean Lambert, MEP for London and Greens’ migration spokesperson said:
“Freedom of movement is absolutely something to be celebrated, not eschewed. Life in our towns and cities can be enhanced by living alongside people from other countries.
“Freedom of movement works two-ways – something those who would like us to isolate ourselves from our European neighbours are happy to ignore. Many Brits choose to work, study or retire abroad, as is their current right, and a decision to leave the European Union would cast into doubt our continued ability to exercise this right.
“The UK has a proud history of welcoming people from other nations and there is no reason to change that now. EU citizens are contributing to our economy and our society – financially and culturally. I am grateful to all the people from the EU working in our care homes, hospitals and other public services and I am happy that Brits can experience life elsewhere in Europe.
“As the Green Party we reject the accusations and fear-mongering which is characterising the debate on our future in the EU far too much. We don’t deny that the EU is in need of reform but we have a positive vision for the future of Europe, which includes the right of EU citizens to move easily between countries, and we are passionate about Remaining in the EU on June 23rd.”
ENDS
Notes:
[1] On 14 March, 2016, the party launched its own, distinct campaign for the UK to remain in the EU:
https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2016/03/10/greens-for-a-better-europe-to-launch-14-march/
https://www.greenparty.org.uk/europe
[2] https://fullfact.org/europe/how-many-uk-citizens-live-other-eu-countries/
[3] http://www.go.international.ac.uk/content/erasmus-figures