Gordon Brown: Let’s make the “positive, principled, and patriotic” case for the EU

Gordon Brown has joined other major politicians in the EU debate by outlining the “positive, principled, and patriotic” case for a Remain vote.

Acknowledging there are many outside of the Conservative Party who are “unhappy with the status quo”, Brown said Britain should be leading Europe, rather than leaving it. He argued the UK should head efforts to tackle economy challenges, climate change, tax avoidance and global security within Europe in a talk at the Centre for European Reform yesterday evening.

“I intend to make the positive, principled, patriotic case with all the passion I can for Britain being part of the European Union.

“This is particularly important to win over the Labour and non-Conservative vote who are unhappy with the status quo.

“I believe people want to hear the case, put from first principles, that when it comes to creating jobs and dealing with migration, terrorism, defence and security, as well as our energy needs, the proper approach for Britain in Europe is  to get the balance right between the autonomy we desire and the co-operation we need.

“And I will put the patriotic case because the Britain I know and love has made the biggest impact for good on the world, not when we have stood aloof and walked away but when we have been outward looking, internationalist and totally engaged with our neighbours.

“This is the Britain I know and love – this is the Britain that on economic energy and environmental reforms, on dealing with tax avoidance and on improving security, should be leading Europe, not leaving it.”

While the former Labour leader did not use last night’s speech to replicate the barnstorming speech urging Scottish voters to remain part of the UK in the run up to the Independence referendum in 2014, this is part of a week of heavyweight interventions on the upcoming vote. President Barack Obama wrote in The Telegraph the EU makes Britain “even greater” and helps maintain our special relationship with the US.

Last week Jeremy Corbyn delivered his “warts and all” verdict on the EU, saying his vision for a “social Europe” was reason to vote to remain. David Miliband, the 2010 leadership contender, also stepped in to warn of the political “arson” of Brexit. 

Brown is expected to make more speeches on the EU before the referendum on June 23.