Tory civil war must not be allowed to eclipse the bigger picture in the referendum

By Claude Moraes MEP, Mary Honeyball MEP, Lucy Anderson MEP and Seb Dance MEP

In 2016 we in London face two historic challenges. We need to win back the Mayoralty for Labour and help ensure that Britain stays in the European Union.

The ‘Out’ campaigns will endeavour to mislead and misinform, while the Tories will be mired in their own civil war. But these factors must not be allowed to eclipse the bigger picture: that remaining in the EU is vital for our working rights, our economic and political future, and our security.

Millions of Londoners rely on crucial employment and other rights underpinned by EU law, including the right to equal pay between women and men, paid holidays and protection for agency workers against discrimination. If we left the EU, it would be much harder to stop a Tory government diluting or removing these rights.

Being part of the world’s largest single market of over 500 million people is vital for our economy. Trade with the EU accounts for over 50% of the UKs exports and an estimated 4.2million people’s livelihoods are dependent on the benefits our continued membership brings.

Many aspects of our public sector rely heavily on EU support and cross-border exchange. UK universities secured over 15% of EU research funding in the last five-year grants programme. And more than 200,000 UK students and 20,000 UK university staff have spent time abroad through the EU Erasmus scheme.

These arguments are crucial, but they need to be taken out of the boardroom and newspapers and onto the street, the shop floor and the school gates. This is Labour’s territory. Our arguments are progressive, patriotic and practical. They address the real priorities of the British people.

Unlike Zac Goldsmith, Sadiq Khan has rightly proclaimed that continued EU membership is vital for jobs, growth and the future of businesses in London.

While Boris Johnson has decided to make the EU referendum about his ambitions for the Tory leadership, showing he only cares about himself and a privileged few who have never experienced poverty, exploitation and job insecurity.

We also know that in an increasingly uncertain and unpredictable world, the collective strength of the EU keeps us safe.

The threats we face are global and can only be confronted by countries working together, not alone. Leaving the EU would not prevent Daesh from targeting us and cyber-crime cannot be stopped at the UK border or without co-operation with our neighbours.

The EU is not perfect. Many Labour supporters in London and beyond harbour doubts over the handling of recent high profile issues facing the EU. The proposed TTIP agreement, the treatment of Greece and the ongoing tragedy of the refugee crisis have all caused huge concern.

These EU-level developments of recent years are symptomatic of the dominance of right-wing controlled governments across Europe rather than the nature or deficiencies of EU institutions. But Labour cannot be complacent on the questions that worry us most.

At a time when the EU’s progressive credentials are being tested, it is important to remind ourselves that beyond social rights and security, Europe is driving global efforts to combat climate change. And EU politicians and lawmakers are making strides to clamp down on tax evasion, and using our clout to protect British consumers in an increasingly globalised world.

The existence of the European Parliament – where the right does not constitute a single majority – acts as an important check. And our ability to reform EU politics and achieve greater democratic control of its institutions rests on one indisputable truth: if we walk away, we will not have any significant influence on the future direction of the EU.

What’s more, to trade with the EU as a non-member, we would still need to sign up to many of the same rules and requirements to make financial contributions. So we would still need to pay but would have no say.

So let the Tories scrap over the referendum; but we must be clear that British families and workers are better in a Britain, and London, inside the EU, not out.

This is what Labour should and will be standing up for, and it’s crucial we all play our part.

Claude Moraes, Mary Honeyball, Lucy Anderson and Seb Dance are Labour MEPs representing London