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Entretien du 2/06/09
Caroline Flint
Ministre d'Etat chargée de l'Europe du Royaume-Uni

Les élections européennes au Royaume-Uni : un choix entre l’isolation ou l’influence

Le Cercle des Européens : How much interest have the European elections aroused among the UK public and media ?

Caroline Flint : The European elections have become much more prominent in the media since the middle of May with a knock-on effect in the public mind. Although all the parties still have a job to do to ensure their voters know about the elections and get out to vote.

Key political programmes on both television and radio are discussing the elections and the BBC’s flag-ship political programme – Question Time – hosted a Europe special on 28 May. Which I was pleased to take part in ; up against Daniel Hannan, the Conservative MEP, and Nigel Farage (the Leader of the UK Independence Party).

What are the main themes of the UK elections campaign ?

Obviously the economic situation looms large in the minds of the British people, as it does across Europe. In Labour’s campaign we have chosen to focus on the following themes :

  • A fair future for all – tackling the global economic crisis, fighting climate - Fair chances for all – Building strong public services, help for families
  • Fair rules for all – Fighting crime, terrorism and illegal immigration
  • A fair say for all – giving people more power over their local communities and services
  • A Fair deal for all – ensuring no-one is left behind

We are highlighting the fact that it has never been more important to work with our European neighbours and that we can achieve more for families and businesses working together than individual nation states can do on their own.

What are the main dividing issues between the main political parties ?

In the last few years commentators have often argued that there is not enough difference between the two main parties in the UK. This is not the case anymore ! There are crystal clear dividing lines between Labour and the Conservatives.

On the economy, Labour has taken decisive action to tackle the financial crisis. The Conservatives oppose a fiscal stimulus and worse still, they favour public spending cuts this year and next year which would hit families and businesses hard during the recession.

When it comes to Europe there is another clear choice : influence with Labour, isolation with the Conservatives. David Cameron is willing to sacrifice Britain’s influence in Europe by withdrawing his party from the main centre-right grouping in Europe. Labour remains engaged in Europe, working together with our European partners to tackle global challenges including climate change, international crime and global poverty.

The Conservatives also want to renegotiate international Treaties to pull Britain out of the European Social Chapter. This would not only put rights like paid holiday to increased parental leave under threat, but it would put Britain’s whole place in Europe at risk, discouraging firms across the continent from investing in the UK.

Labour recognises the importance of our economic links with the rest of Europe and will work to strengthen them unlike the Conservatives who want to take the UK to the fringes of Europe.

What kind of measures has your Government taken to encourage people to vote ?

In the UK the Electoral Commission are responsible for promoting public engagement in elections. However, the political parties are also vital. I for one, have been out and about all over the country raising awareness of the European elections !

What are your hopes and fears regarding the elections results ?

These are a very tough set of elections for Labour, not least because of the real challenges and anxieties faced by us all in this global economic downturn but we have a strong message and we will be working hard for every vote. We also have an excellent set of Labour MEPs and candidates who making the case for Labour up and down the UK.

One of the risks with this election, is that as a result of political dis-engagement and disenchantment with the mainstream parties, fringe parties and even the far-right BNP may gain seats. Labour activists up and down the country are working with anti-fascist campaigners to stop the BNP.

The financial crisis, and its serious economic and social consequences, have called into question certain assumptions about deregulation of markets. Are the key players in the City in favour of strengthened regulation ? What is your government’s position on this issue ?

The global nature of financial services means that when problems arise in one country they quickly affect others. The events of the last 18 months have reinforced the need for much greater co-operation on regulation both internationally and within the EU, to ensure that problems can be dealt with effectively when they occur.

It has been evident to all in both public and private sector that better regulation is needed in the wake of the financial and economic crisis. The UK agenda in Europe’s response to the financial crisis has been proactive. We welcomed the recent Larosiere Report on the future of financial supervision and regulation at EU level and we are clear that reforms are needed to improve the rules and regulations applying to firms. We believe it is right that the EU follows the principles of Larosiere, and moves forward with consensus. In particular there is an urgent need to improve standards, harmonise legislation and remove derogations from rules. We will be looking at detailed proposals on these issues from the Autumn.


 

Informations sur Caroline Flint
Caroline Flint, ministre déléguée aux Affaires européennes du Royaume-Uni depuis octobre 2008. Avant de rejoindre les affaires européennes, Caroline Flint a occupé deux autres postes ministériels au sein du gouvernement travailliste de Gordon Brown. En janvier 2007 elle est nommée ministre d’Etat en charge de l’Emploi et de la Réforme de la protection sociale, puis ministre du Logement en janvier 2008.
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