Wales Green Party: For A Better Europe
The Wales Green Party announces its campaign to stay in Europe: Over the coming months they will be mobilising supporters to campaign to remain, ahead of the EU referendum on June 23rd.
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Amelia Womack, candidate for South Wales Central and deputy leader of the Green Party of England And Wales said:
"From environmental protection to workers rights, Wales is better in Europe. As a nation we have continued financial support from the EU to tackle our social and environmental issues to the value of around £1bn, and it is unlikely that Westminister will fill this gap should we leave. What's also clear is that when pollution knows no borders and a refugee crisis at our doorstep, we need to work together to tackle the shared problems we face as a union. The European story has a long history, and one where Welsh people and the environment have benefitted. As Greens we know that the EU isn't perfect, but we have to be in the EU to change the EU, and work with other like minded parties across Europe to make it more democratic and accountable to European citizens."
Through EU Structural Funds, Wales has benefited from just over £4bn since 2000, supporting business, research and innovation, helping people into work, increasing skills, improving transport and digital networks, regenerating our communities, and enhancing our environment. Since 2007, EU projects have created 11,900 enterprises and 35,570 jobs, assisted 70,135 people into work, 223,000 to gain qualifications, and 49,245 into further learning.
Wales also benefits from EU funds through the Common Agricultural Policy, providing around £200m a year to more than 16,000 farms in Wales. (Welsh Government, 2016)
The Wales Green Party believes that Europe needs reforming and that every European country has a role to play in building a better Europe. By remaining part of the EU we can ensure that there are international rules to control big business and finance, that people’s rights are protected - at work and as consumers. The EU has also given us the freedom to live, study, work and retire across an entire continent.
By working with our European neighbours we can tackle climate change, protect wildlife and reduce pollution. The European story should be celebrated. Countries with different histories and cultures have come together, opting to share sovereignty while keeping their own traditions, in order to work together for the common good.
Remaining part of the EU is essential to meet the challenges of the refugee crisis, international terrorism and climate change.