Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2014-01-15-Speech-3-470-000"
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"en.20140115.46.3-470-000"2
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"Mr President, today is an opportunity – an opportunity to have a serious, moderate and sensible discussion on the future of freedom of movement in the EU.
Freedom of movement has brought economic growth and cultural diversity and has helped Europe meet the modern challenges of changing labour demands and global markets. The UK in particular has benefited through modern history from this form of two-way migration: through our Commonwealth, through the thousands of brave and hardworking Polish citizens who helped rebuild my country after the war, after fighting alongside us for freedom and democracy, through other European migration and also through the three million British citizens who benefit every day from living, working and retiring across the European Union.
But like any system which is nearly 30 years old, there needs to be a moment when we can look at how we need to adapt, reform and sometimes even strengthen it in order to ensure its future success and survival. But this should not translate into an attempt to destroy freedom of movement and discriminate against individual Member States. Hot tempers, blame, finger-pointing and the political point-scoring which has been taking place is not something that helps to restore confidence; it does not help us to find the best way forward.
I would like to say to Mr Swoboda: please get your facts right. When you refer to my Prime Minister, please also remember that the leader of the Labour Party in the UK has said exactly the same things in relation to these matters as my leader has. That tone, Mr Swoboda, is a disservice to this Parliament and to all the people of Europe.
I could fill my speech pointing blame at senior politicians from all countries, indeed in all political groups, but we need a more constructive debate. With such rhetoric we play into the hands of those individuals – and the media – who want to call this Parliament and the EU irrational and out of touch. The people of Europe look for leadership. Reform and clarification: yes. But the tone of today’s discussion must remain moderate, sensible and positive.
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