Sharon backs the launch of Labour’s campaign to remain in the European Union, "Labour In For Britain".
The Labour In For Britain Campaign was launched by the chair of the campaign, Alan Johnson MP, on Tuesday 1st December in the Midlands and is backed by 213 Labour MPs, including Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn and the entire Shadow Cabinet.
Labour shares the aims and principles of the cross-party campaign, Britain Stronger in Europe, however Labour will be running its own distinct campaign that stresses Labour’s case for Britain’s continued EU membership.
Britain is a proud trading country with almost half of our exports going to EU countries, worth £227 billion last year to the UK’s economy. UK jobs and businesses, large and small, depend on trade with Europe.
The North-East is the only net exporter in the UK to the European Union with many businesses, including Nissan in Sunderland, relying upon the close trade links with the European Union.
The UK also receives on average £26.5 billion of investment every year from other EU countries and future EU trade could create 790,000 more jobs by 2030 by opening up new markets in Europe, for British businesses, like digital services, energy and tourism.
Labour is campaigning to stay in Europe on the basis that continued membership is good for British jobs and good for men and women working in those industries.
It was Labour who made sure that Britain’s EU membership gave British worker’s rights to minimum paid leave, rights for agency workers, paid maternity and paternity leave, equal pay, anti-discrimination laws, and protection for the workforce when companies change ownership.
Following the launch of the Labour In For Britain campaign, Sharon said:
“In the weeks and months ahead, it is important that the case for our continued membership of the European Union and the benefits this brings to working families here in Sunderland and the North-East is made.
“The North-East and the wider country’s economic future depends on trading with other EU countries as a key trading partner and receiving investment from businesses who want to work within the European Union, such as Nissan.
“That is why I am proud to support Labour’s In For Britain campaign to make the case for the UK’s future as part of the European Union.”
You can watch Labour's In For Britain campaign video below or find out more on the website here.