Gary Titley, MEP "What a Difference
a Labour Government Makes"

This is the text of Gary Titley, MEP's talk, taken directly from the Deane-Cum-Heaton Labour Party's Branch minutes just after the 1997 General Election

  What a Difference

Gary described the unbelievable difference the new government had made to the work of UK Labour MEPs and the regard in which they were now held. Gary himself had been interviewed by the BBC World Service, Radio Paris and even by Radio Bogota, Columbia and had met top Japanese MPs in Tokyo. He outlined the way in which the Tories had done absolutely nothing at the European level, especially during the last two years and the way in which the previous government's use of the veto had prevented decisions being made. All that has changed now and the new government has adopted a co-operative and reconciliatory approach.

  The Amsterdam Summit

The major success of the Amsterdam summit had been to increase the powers of the European Parliament. Human rights are on the agenda and Jack Cunningham has made good progress on the BSE issue. Gary himself has been appointed Robin Cook's European PPS.

  UK's EU Presidency

The UK can provide real leadership of the EU as it prepares to take over the Presidency for six months, early next year. At present the Community has 15 members and 13 more countries have applied to join. Gary outlined the benefits and disadvantages that will go with enlargement.

  EMU and The Single Currency

In March a decision will be taken about the introduction of the single currency is 1999. Britain won't join with the first wave of seven or eight nations but Gary was confident that we wouldn't stay outside for long.

  The EU Budget

Another great challenge will be the question of the EU budget. This isn't as large as people believe (£60 billion against the UK's Social Security budget of £90 billion) and Germany contributes more than 40%, which it is increasingly reluctant to do. At the moment the UK receives a large rebate but this can't go on, especially when some of the poorer Central European countries are admitted. The agenda is difficult and there is a lack of political will in some countries to deal with it.

  Other Issues and Questions

      Gary spoke further about the international dimension of the drug trade and, in reply to a question from John, about border and immigration controls that he seemed to support.

      Amal asked why other countries should be allowed to join. Gary replied that the EU isn't a rich man's club but a genuine community for all Europeans.

      Leilia expressed concern about human rights and Gary said that that was one of the reasons why Turkey had not been admitted yet. Slovakia's application will not even be considered at present for the same reason.

      Peter Hamilton asked about the single currency and our government's possible handling of this issue at the next election. Gary said that, hopefully, the single currency would succeed and that it would be in Britain's best interests to then join. In any case Labour has pledged a referendum on the subject.

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