On April 13^th 2016, I led the debate at the County Council that sought to recognise the benefit that our membership of the European Union had brought both to the people of our county and to this country.

I said the following:

“I propose this motion because I believe that we should recognise the importance of the European Union to the welfare of this county and its 550,000 residents.

Recently there has been a lot of argument about how much this country pays into the EU and how much it receives in return and this is normally only measured as a cash transaction and no more.  How much we pay, of course, varies year by year and depends on our GDP and the funding formula.  Some years in the past we have paid very little.  At the moment our own contribution, after an automatic rebate, is about £14 billion. 

The EU then redistributes all the contributions to support the less affluent regions around Europe, including Durham.  Indeed it might be argued that the EU does what Westminster should do and gives support where support is needed. 

Here in Durham the EU sustains several initiatives all of which bring significant benefit to the county. 

There are the tangible benefits which are derived from a string of initiatives that bring several millions of pounds to enhance the Durham Dales, the Durham Coast and lowlands, along with structural and investment funds where they are most needed.  Furthermore, the European Regional Development Fund has set aside £26.4 million earmarked for projects here in County Durham.  The Youth Employment Initiative adds another £10 million. This list is by no means exhaustive but is a measure of Europe’s commitment to us.

In the academic world the Erasmus training scheme makes an important contribution.  Over 15,000 British students, young researchers and teachers receive grants to study elsewhere in Europe in what is an exchange programme that enriches all those involved, including the university staff that work with them.  In this academic year £40 million has been made available to support this programme and Erasmus students are a valued part of Durham University.

But there are additional, less tangible benefits that have a profound effect on the welfare of this county and help sustain employment.  Our skilled workforce and our location have provided an important focus for international investment. Nissan has not made its home here just because they like us but because we offer easy tariff free access to Europe. 

Hitachi has chosen to establish their industry here for the very same reason.  Other smaller firms also find the north east and Durham an attractive venue for their businesses.  We have become an important launch pad and gateway for Europe.

So how much does it cost to be part of the European Union? Numbers abound, generally depending upon your prejudice in this debate.  But the BBC in a recent and independent analysis suggested that each family pays slightly less than £300 per year for membership of the EU, which is about 30p per person per day.  In return, and through a variety of routes, households apparently gain about £3,000 per year. 

For 30p per day the return we get from the EU is huge.  It provides investment in our region, supports jobs, enhances higher education, and protects our rights.  

But, if for a moment I can widen this discussion, European Union represents far more than just our links to a vital economy across the North Sea.

70 years ago Europe was broken and divided.

Through the Council for Europe, the Common Market and then the transition to European Union this continent slowly began to heal.  The process has been slow; and it is still imperfect and incomplete.

But we are part of it and my children and grandchildren now have a future that is peaceful and promising.

And we must never forget that it is a future that was secured through the sacrifice not just of the British but also the Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders, Americans and others who rallied to our cause over 70 years ago.  Are we now going to tell them we are going to abandon what they gifted to us, and from which they too now find benefit?  Are we going to tell them that we are quitting simply because the Tories are divided and confused and because there are those who want Europe run just to suit their own personal prejudices?

Finally. I also believe in a United Kingdom.  A year ago we were concerned in case Scotland separated from us.  They chose to stay; but if England, for numerically that is what it will be, decides to leave the EU then Scotland, wishing to remain, would have every right to petition for a separate existence.  Our presence in the EU thus holds together the United Kingdom.

The benefit to Durham of our membership of the EU is considerable.  But it also has wider significance over and above the immediate benefits that we enjoy.

I ask you to support this motion.”

This motion was passed by 108 votes in favour to 4 against (the 4 Conservative Councillors)

**UPDATE APRIL 30TH 2018**

Nothing that has happened in the last 2 years has caused me to change my mind.  The decision to leave the European Union was based on false and misleading information that deliberately misdirected the voting public.  From the United Kingdom, two countries, Scotland and Northern Island voted against Brexit; the other two voted for it by a narrow margin.  Our Kingdom is no longer united and the many from around the world who have made their home in this country and who have, over the years, contributed so much to our welfare now feel discomforted and insecure.  The recent resignation of the Home Secretary, Amber Rudd, tells us a lot about the hostile environment that is flowing from Brexit.

In the local election on Thursday May 3^rd 2018 our overseas residents have the right to vote.  They are not allowed to determine anything of great significance or on issues that closely affect them, but as a concession, they can help select a few Parish Councillors. 

The Liberal Democrats have resisted Brexit and all the malevolence that has gone with it.  That is why the LibDems should be supported by all those who share our distaste for the politics of division and xenophobia.