Labour politicians urged to fight for a ‘progressive Brexit’ after leadership election
Date: 23 September 2016
A new briefing released today has outlined a series of ‘Brexit Red Lines’ that MPs should support if the UK’s exit from the EU is to happen on the most progressive terms possible.
The briefing warns that the decision to leave the EU, “…has had serious knock-on effects for the UK’s political landscape, and has the potential to fundamentally change the future shape of the country’s politics. Unfortunately, some are looking to use the new situation to further roll back human rights, even threatening some of the key victories achieved by social justice campaigners in the twentieth century.”
Labour MPs at the party conference in Liverpool will be invited to commit to protect particular Red Lines as part of the exit negotiations.
Nick Dearden, the director of Global Justice Now said:
“Britain’s constitution is being rewritten under our noses, without public debate, without an election. Even more worrying, is the damage being done to our values by a referendum that has divided the nation and stoked fear and hatred. This will have a profound effect on how our country behaves towards the rest of the world – on trade, on aid policies, on climate change.
“Progressive parties must put tribalism and factionalism to one side, and urgently work together to make the case for a progressive exit from the EU. Their vision needs to meet the concerns and anxieties of Brexit’s post-industrial towns of the North without losing the internationalist outlook of the centre-left remain voters.”
The ‘red lines’ outlined in the briefing are:
1) Free movement and migrant rights. The UK needs to defend free movement, take on its fair share of refugees and reject unethical deals like the one signed between the EU and Turkey.
2) Strong climate change targets. Brexit cannot serve as an excuse for the UK to shirk its historical responsibility for climate change. The UK must work with the EU to secure at least an 80 % cut in CO2 emissions by 2030.
3) No toxic trade deals. The UK must reject TTIP, CETA and TISA, deals that threaten our public services and lock in privatisation while handing unprecedented power to corporations.
4) Protect Human Rights. The UK cannot leave the European Convention on Human Rights or repeal the Human Rights Act. To do so would be a green light for those who wish to abuse human rights across the world.
5) Protect workers’ rights. Gains in workers’ rights which have come from EU law, like paid holiday, maternity leave and decent treatment for temporary workers, must be retained.
6) No to tax haven UK. Brexit must not turn the UK into a huge offshore tax haven. The UK’s financial sector must be properly regulated if it wants to access the European market.
7) Safe and sustainable food. The UK must maintain EU food safety standards and set up a fairer, more sustainable agricultural policy that does not undermine progressive change in the rest of Europe.
Take action >> https://www.globaljustice.org.uk/brexit-red-lines
Notes
Global Justice Now at the Labour Party Conference
Brexit Red Lines stall at Z25
Time for a radical vision on aid: how can aid work for global justice?
Sunday 25 September, 7:30-9pm
ACC, Auditorium 1B
- With Diane Abbott MP, Hazel Healy of the New Internationalist, Action Aid’s David Archer and Nick Dearden of Global Justice Now
Out of TTIP? What should Labour’s post-Brexit trade policy look like?
Monday 26 September, 7:30-9pm
ACC, Auditorium 1C
- With The Guardian’s Larry Elliot, Jude Kirton-Darling MEP, Rob Goodfellow, president of the UCU, and Nick Dearden of Global Justice Now
