Cameron Speech a Success, says Emma McClarkin MEP

East Midlands Conservative MEP Emma McClarkin has welcomed today’s speech by the Prime Minister, hailing it a big move forward.

Responding to the speech, she said:

“In his speech this morning, I think the Prime Minister has set out a positive, practical and deliverable agenda for a more flexible and outward-looking EU. The EU needs fundamental change based on new principles that enable it to compete in a fierce global environment.

“This is a call to Europe to match the rate of change of the outside world. Competitiveness will be the main challenge to the EU and regulation must change and allow industry to meet that challenge.

“The Prime Minister has made clear that he is determined to review and, where necessary, repatriate a number of powers such as social and employment law – and I back that as a key step to increased competitiveness.

“Too many people today see the European Union as the cause of our problems; not the solution to those problems. That is why they have lost confidence in the Union. If we are to restore that confidence, that means change.

“The PM has promised the British people that if a Conservative Government is elected in 2015 they will get a vote on membership, once the renegotiation process is completed during the next parliament. I completely agree with this, and believe it is the right course of action for our country. It is time for the people of this country to be given their say and decide what our relationship with the EU is going forward.

“I believe the Prime Minister’s speech was very thoughtful and successful. Most of the points were core Tory aspirations, and it should reassure the country and the party that he is a man with a vision.”