Messages from LME

15 July: LME fringe event at party conference

The LME fringe event at this year's party conference will take place on 21 September between 1300 and 1500 in the Marquee Upper Forecourt.

It's titled, Jobs, Fairness and Prosperity: where next for Social Europe?

Invited speakers include John Monks (ETUC), Helle Thorning-Schmidt (Leader of Danish socialists) or Mona Sahlin (leader of Swedish socialists).

Keep checking back for more updates.

8 July: When does Labour attack the Tories on Europe

Former Europe Minister and MP for Rotherham Denis MacShane believes Labour must start attacking the Tories for their rabidly negative attitude to our European partners and the EU.

Click here for article

Ireland says No. What next?

The result of the Irish referendum is obviously a setback to the EU and means a return to the institutional uncertainty that has plagued the EU for the past few years. Our government should be strongly supported in its decision to continue ratification in Britain so that we have a clear position on the treaty when its future is discussed.

For a more detailed analysis of the current situation click here to read Richard Corbett's article for the Guardian.

News from the LME AGM

The LME AGM was held on June 2nd in the House of Commons with Europe Minister Jim Murphy giving a short talk and answering members questions.

Jonathan Roberts presented the proposed new LME constitution which was adopted unanimously by the AGM. You can view the new constitution by clicking here.

You can read the full minutes of the AGM by clicking here.

It was agreed that there will be three working groups over the next year. They will be: media, party liaison and policy development and technical and website.

The election of non-parliamentary members to LME's national executive also took place with Linda McDermott, Maureen Tomison, Jonathan Roberts, David Schoibl, Derek Smyth and Terry Ashton all successfully elected. Congratulations to them.

The results of the PLP elections were confirmed at the AGM as:

• LME Chair – Mary Creagh
• LME Vice Chairs – Kerry McCarthy, Baroness Royall
• LME Secretary – Wayne David
• LME Treasurer – Fabian Hamilton MP

The results of the EPLP elections were confirmed at the AGM as:

• Chair - Richard Corbett MEP (and therefore a vice chair of LME)
• Vice Chairs - Mary Honeyball MEP, Glyn Ford MEP
• Treasurer - Peter Skinner MEP
• Joint Secretaries - Ben Fox, James Royston

22 May: Proposed new LME constitution

Throughout the past year an LME working group has been looking at the LME constitution with a brief to produce a series of amendments in time for this year's AGM. A vote will take place during the AGM on whether to adopt the amendments.

Click to view the proposed new LME constitution

25 April: LME AGM date announced

The LME AGM will be held on June 2nd 2008 at 6.40pm in Committee Room 20 of the House of Commons.

Europe Minister Jim Murphy has kindly agreed to be the guest speaker.

As always the election of seven non-parliamentary members for the National Executive take place at the AGM. Two of the seven should be under 30, one of whom should be a female. Of the five others, two should be female.

To stand you must complete a self-nomination form and write a 200 word statement and make sure it is with LME by May 28th.

Official calling notices will be sent out to members next week.

You must be a fully paid-up member of LME to stand or vote at the AGM. If you are unsure if you are a member please email contact@lme.org.uk. If you want to join you can pay your subs here.

24 April: Vacancies with the EPLP

The EPLP has two vacancies for internships, one based in Brussels and one in London.

For more information about the positions visit the EPLP website. Click here for London and here for Brussels.

15 April: Campaign for Labour with LME in London

If you live in London or the south east you might be interested in joining LME's London and South East branch campaign for the London elections on May 1st.

For more information on the events below please contact: contact@lme-lse.org.uk

1) EU voter phone banks

There have been four EU voter phone banks so far with 100s of contacts with non-British EU citizens on the electoral register. Quite a number of them have volunteered to encourage their (non-British EU citizen) relatives, friends and colleagues to register as well. Using the argument that a higher turnout might help prevent the far right British National Party from gaining a seat in the London Assembly proved especially effective to spur them into action.

There will be two more of these before May 1.

A script and training will be provided for anyone who hasn't canvassed before.

DATES:
Thursday, April 17 &
Thursday, April 24

TIME:
6.00pm - 8.30pm

VENUE:
London Labour Party
39 Victoria Street

2) Leafleting for Ken at events, which attract EU citizens in particular

LME London and South East are working with London Labour on developing a leaflet targeting EU citizens in particular, which will be distributed at events, which attract many EU citizens.

For example, there is a Polish Film Festival starting in London on April 10. There are also a number of cultural institutes from EU member states in London, which regulary host events.

A couple of the bigger events will be selected for joint leafletting sessions at these.

3) Your very own decentralised campaign

Are you going to see a German play in the Barbican? Are you going to see a French Hip-Hop band in concert in Sheperd's Bush? Are you participating in activities in your Polish Community Centre in Hammersmith?

Please let LME London and South East know you if you are happy to distribute leaflets wherever you go or let people sign a pledge to vote to prevent the BNP from gaining a seat in the London Assembly.

Once again if you are interested in helping out please email: contact@lme-lse.org.uk

14 April: Social Europe discussion for PES manifesto

LME London South East focused on the issue of a social Europe in its first discussion of what should be in next year's PES manifesto.

Highlight's of the event are already up on Youtube, and you can view them by clicking on the following: Henning Meyer, Ben Richards, Deborah Littmann, Michael Walsh, Debate part one, Debate part two

3 April: European selection -Ranking results

Labour's team of candidates for the 2009 European elections have now all been confirmed, with the orders of each region's team below.

2 April: Miliband's Mansion House speech

Read the Guardian's article on David Miliband's Mansion House speech here.

14 March: Treaty gets smooth passage through Commons

The Lisbon Treaty passed through the Commons with a comfortable majority of 140, with 346 MPs voting in favour and 206 voting against.

Europe Minister Jim Murphy concluded the lengthy debate with a sharp speech which you can read on Hansard here.

5 March: Commons rejects referendumThe House of Commons has voted against having a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty. The vote finished 311 to 248 following a six hour debate. Just 29 Labour MPs rebelled, while 13 Lib Dems refused to abstain.

Read more at the BBC and the Times

21 February: Irish Labour on the treaty

Eamon Gilmore, the Leader of Labour in Ireland, recently gave an excellent speech on the subject of Labour and the Lisbon Reform Treaty.

Click here to read it.

14 February: The environmental impact of the Lisbon TreatyThe WWF, the Institute for European Environment Policy and the Green Alliance have jointly produced an article about the Lisbon Treaty and how it will benefit the environment.

Click here to read it.

12 February: Local Government for Europe event

The Local Government for Europe group is holding a seminar on the Lisbon Treaty on March 5th with Denis MacShane the keynote speaker.

Closing date for registration is February 29th.

Click here to download registration form and here for more information.

8 February: Support for the Treaty

The LME website is now building an archive of letters to the media supporting the treaty, whether they are from, business leaders, MEPs, or ordinary members of the public.

Read it here and email the website if you see anything that should be included.

5 February: Labour's love-hate relationship with Europe

Julian Priestley, the former Secretary General of the European Parliament, presented a fascinating history of Labour's relationship with the EU and its predecesors, in a recent edition of Esharp! magazine.

He concludes by calling for a more enthusiastic approach to Europe from the UK.

Read it by clicking here (PDF) .

1 February: 'See for yourself' guide to the treaty

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office has created a new guide to the treaty which shows off the many benefits it will bring and then links these points to the relevant parts of the treaty. A good idea and a useful tool.

View here by clicking here.

28 January: Time to expose Tory lies on Europe

Denis MacShane is back on the attack at the expense of the Tories. In partnership with the Community he ahs produced a booklet which exposes Tory lies on Europe.

You can read it here.

25 January: Titley bangs drum for treaty

Gary Titley, the leader of the European Parliamentary Labour Party, has written to all Labour MPs urging them to strongly support the Lisbon Treaty.

Read it here.

20 January: Richard Corbett's draft report on Lisbon Treaty

LME Deputy Chair Richard Corbett has been given the responsibility of co-drafting the European Parliament's report on the Lisbon Treaty.

You can read it along with a variety of other articles on the treaty by clicking here.

14 January: Prime Minister's priorities for a 'global Europe'

Prime Minister Gordon Brown, speaking to a conference of business leaders, outlined his vision for a 'global Europe' and his desire to return the EU's focus to issues that matter to the citizens of Europe.

Read the whole speach here.

20 November: MacShane's speech to the Commons

Former Europe Minister Denis MacShane, and MP for Rotherham, gave a sterling speech to the House of Commons when discussing the European Communities Finance Bill, arguing that Britain should not be afraid of contributing more to Europe and should continue to battle for reform of the CAP.

Click for the whole speech, which lasted a Tory-torturing 37 minutes

16 November: Miliband's speech to College of Europe

Foreign Secretary David Miliband spoke to the College of Europe in Bruges on his vision of the EU in 2030.

You can read the full speech here.

13 November: Global Europe, Meeting the Economic and Security Challenges

The government has produced a pamphlet called "Global Europe" in which it sets out a new direction for Europe in line with the challenges of globalisation and outlines the priorities for action.

Click here to read.

10 November: Contribute to the PES manifesto 2009

As many of you may already know the Party of the European Socialists (PES) are currently holding a European wide consultation to help produce a common manifesto for European Labour Parties for the 2009 elections.

There are four themes to the consultation which are the environment, social Europe, European democracy and diversity, and the EU in the world.

You can sign up and contribute by visiting http://manifesto2009.pes.org/

2 November: Updated questions & answers on the treaty

Improve your knowledge with LME's updated set of questions and answers about what was agreed in Lisbon.

Click here to view

19th October: Defend the treaty!

Now the treaty has been agreed expect the hysterical Eurosceptics to go out on the attack in the local and national papers. Lets makes sure we get the truth out get some letters into the media.

Click here for a variety of different letters to send .

18th October: Gisela Stuart then and now

Gisela Stuart is, along with Michael Connarty, one of the most vocal Eurosceptics on the Labour backbenches but that wasn't always the case. LME has collated a series of quotes from her in which she highlights the need for many of the refroms contained in the current treaty.

Click here for more.

17th October: Point by point analysis of the Labour rebels' demands

Elements of the press have claimed that a group of Labour MPs want 12 changes to the EU Reform Treaty as the price for dropping their campaign for a referendum. However, what are these demands and do they stand up to scrutiny?

Click here to find out.

1 October: LME fringe event photos

LME's event at the Labour Party Conference was a great success with a packed audience listening to and debating with David Miliband MP, LME Chair Mary Creagh MP, Gary Titley MEP, Richard Corbett MEP and Neil Kinnock.

Click here for photographs of the event.

19 September: Show not tell article on Progressonline

Jonathan Roberts, who is an executive officer for LME, has written an article for Progressonline, calling on pro-Europeans to get organised if they are ever to win the debate about Europe in Britain.

Click here to read it.

16 September: LME launches own Bulletin on treaty

LME has produced a four-page guide to the proposed Reform Treaty as a rebuttal to the Labour Euro Safeguards publication many CLPs will have received recently. It offers a far more balanced view of what the treaty provides and anexplanation of why the new treaty is different from the abandoned Constitution Treaty.

LME plans to distribute the bulletin to each CLP in the country while it is also available to read on the web. Click here to view.

12 September: BNE launch Coalition for the EU Reform Treaty

Business for New Europe have launched the Coalitioan for the EU Reform Treaty. Its website is now up and running. Go to http://www.coalitionforreformtreaty.org.uk/ for more.

11 September: Miliband on the EU in the Mirror

Foriegn Minister David Miliband has written an article for the Daily Mirror on why the EU is good for Britain and good for British citizens. Recognising the EU's many triumphs, he argues this is why essential refrom - the new treaty - is required is the EU is to continue working so well.

Click to read David Miliband's article for the Mirror.

10 September: Debating the EU and reform treaty

Richard Corbett, the Chair of LME in the European Parliament, is a guest blogging for the Economist, debating Britain's role in Europe, the new treaty and the referendum question with Open Europe's Neil O'Brien.

Follow the debate by clicking here.

2nd July: Questions and answers about the proposed Reform Treaty

LME has compiled a series of questions and answers to explain in detail how the proposed Reform Treaty will benefit the EU; the differences between the new treaty and the proposed Constitutional Treaty; and why there is no need for a referendum on it.

Click here to view.

25 June 2007: LME WELCOMES NEW TREATY AS GOOD FOR UK

Mary Creagh MP, Chair of the Labour Movement for Europe has welcomed the amending treaty negotiated at the European Union summit in Brussels, and has rejected calls for a referendum on the issue.

Mary Creagh MP, Chair of Labour Movement for Europe said: “ This Treaty will, hopefully, mark a new direction for Europe with clarity over the question of the future direction, governance and purpose of an enlarged EU of 27 countries. It will make the EU a more flexible, transparent and democratic body, ready to take effective action on vital international issues. Only blinkered ideologues would reject this case for change.”

Mary continued: “Calls for a referendum on this treaty are a red herring. There is no strong tradition of referenda in the UK – we are a Parliamentary democracy. The idea of a referendum for an amending treaty has never been floated before, even for Amsterdam or Maastricht , which involved a substantial transfer of competence. I welcome this treaty as progress towards a fairer, more flexible and transparent Europe which will be good for Britain .”

Richard Corbett, Vice Chair of LME said: "The Constitutional Treaty has been replaced by a set of pragmatic reforms to the European Union that will help it operate and deliver on policy more effectively and will improve parliamentary scrutiny and democratic accountability. This is a result to be welcomed."

Richard continued: " Britain has never had a referendum to ratify an international treaty, and it is nonsensical to demand on one that does things like changing the length of the European Council presidency from 6 months to 30 months. The Conservatives' call for a referendum on a treaty that changes far less than either the Single European Act and Maastricht treaty smacks of more desperation from a party that has no credibility on Europe ."

5 June 2007: An opportunity for reform by consensus

LME chair Mary Creagh has contributed an article on the forthcoming European Council summit for the latest edition of Parliamentary Monitor. In it Mary argues the summit offers the EU a crucial chance to reform and become more flexible, transparent and democratic. Click to read the article.

30 May 2007: The Future of Europe by the Future of Labour

LME has put together a booklet on each of the Deputy Leadership candidates' views on Europe. Each member of LME should be recieving a copy of the booklet in the post over the next few days.

For LME supporters or anyone else interested in finding out more about the candidates they can view a version online by clicking here or download it here (big PDF).

1 May 2007: LME LSE release paper on Polish Voter

The London and South East (LSE) group of LME have released a paper entitled The Polish Voter. It is a discussion on the possible influence of non-British EU citizens voting in local and European elections. There are currently over one million non-British EU citizens eligible to vote; is this an untapped source of votes for the Labour Party?

You can read the Polish Voter on LME LSE's website by clicking here (PDF).

LME member Henning Meyer also discusses the issue in his online Guardian column. Read it and join the debate here.

For more about LME in London and the South East visit their website here.

30 April 2007: Debate on the Constitutional Treaty

Following Alan Milburn's article on why he thinks the Constitutional Treaty should not be salvaged, LME Vice Chair, Richard Corbett, has responded on this website. To read Alan Milburn's article click here and to read Richard's response click here.

21 April 2007: Social Europe Blog

Social Europe – The Journal of the European Left has launched a blog on its website. The primary aim of Social Europe is to provide the opportunities for direct exchange of ideas between social democrats and socialists from all countries of the continent. To see the blog and to take part in the discussions, please visit www.Blog.Social-Europe.eu.

17 April 2007: AGM results

The LME AGM took place on April 16 th in the House of Commons with MP for Wakefield, Mary Creagh, elected LME's new chair. Wayne David was re-elected Secretary and Barbara Follett as Treasurer. Richard Corbett, as the European Parliament LME Group Chair, is therefore national Vice Chaire.

Click on their names to learn more about them on their personal websites

As a consequence of the delay over some of the calling notices for the AGM, those present at the meeting voted that ordinary members elected to the National Executive should co-opt the other members that stood.

The results in full:

Non-parliamentary Members – Terry Ashton, Lynda MacDermot, Owais Rajput, Jonathan Roberts, David Schoibl, Derek Smyth, Maureen Tomison, Jason Williams, Richard Young.

Parliamentary Labour Party – Chair, Mary Creagh; Treasurer, Barbara Follett; Secretary, Wayne David; Vice Chairs, Chris Bryant and Kerry McCarthy.

European Parliamentary Labour Party – Chair, Richard Corbett; Treasurer, Pete Skinner; Glyn Ford Mary Honeyball

Following the formalities of the AGM, Jacques Reland, director of the European Research Forum at London Metropolitan University, and journalist Eric Albert led an entertaining discussion about the French Presidential elections. Both felt Ségolène Royal still needed to produce an inspirational speech that would really make France stand up and take notice while Jacques explained just how divisive a figure Nicholas Sarkozy is and how poorly his election is likely to go down in the banlieues.

Our thanks go to Jaques and particularly Eric, who stepped in at the last minute to contribute to the evening.

19 March 2007: LME AGM latest

The LME AGM will take place in Committe Room 10 in the House of Commons on 16th April, begining at 19h15.

Véronique Dusseau, the Deputy Head of Agence France Presse, will open a discussion on the forthcoming French Presidential elections, with a second speaker still to be confirmed.

19 March 2007: The Future of Europe discussion with Alan Johnson

The Foreign Policy Centre is hosting a speech and discussion on The Future for Europe, with the Rt Hon Alan Johnson MP on Wednesday March 28th. It will take place in Committee Room 14 in the House of Commons between 10.30 and 11.45.

If you are interested in attending the event please get in contact with Alex Bigham of the Foreign Policy Centre on alex.bigham@fpc.org.uk by 23 March.

13 March 2007: John Monks on the EU at 50

John Monks, the General Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation, spoke to the All Party Group on the EU in Westminster on the 12 March.

John covered the EU's achievements in its first 50 years, what it will hopefully do in the next 50 years and why he envisages Britain taking a more central role in proceedings. He also makes some excellent points about how the EU has enshrined the values of social inclusion and solidarity alongside economic growth.

To read the whole speech, click here (PDF).

15 March 2007: Tributes to Jim Cattermole

Tributes to former party organiser and committed pro-European Jim Cattermole are now up on the net following his sad death earlier this year. Click here for Jim's obituary (kindly written by Roy Grantham) and here to read the Indpendent's coverage.

2 March 2007: DATE OF AGM CHANGED

The date of LME's AGM has changed and will now take place on the 16th April 2007, starting at 19.30 in Westminster. It is hoped that following the AGM a we will have a guest speaker who will introduce a debate on the French Presidential elections. Keep returning to LME.org.uk for more information, including the exact location.

2 March 2007: Britain and the Constitutional Treaty

Read Richard Corbett's evaluation of Britain and its position on the Constitutional Treaty. Click here for article.

5 January 2007: Animal transport

Laws have come into force designed to lessen distress caused to animals as they are transported across Europe. Read here for more details.

1 January 2007: Enlargement

Romania and Bulgaria have joined the European Union today, bringing the total membership to 27 countries. Slovenia has also officially joined the euro.

15 December 2006: EU Summit focusses on Euro constitution

The final EU summit of the year ends today. Read the BBC's view here, and that of LME's resident constitution expert, Richard Corbett MEP here.

1 November 2006: BBC guide to the EU

For those with broadband, you can watch Mark Mardell's excellent guide too EU institutions here.

11 October 2006: TUC's website on Europe

Click here to take a look at the TUC's website and learn about its work in Europe. The TUC has also produced a guide to your employment rights in Europe. Click here to view.

18 September 2006: One seat success!

Today, the one seat petition received it's 1 millionth signature! Thank you to al who supported the campaign.

25 May 2006: Sign the One-Seat petition

Every year, the European Parliament spends 200 million Euros on transporting the Parliament's activities in its monthly visit to Strasbourg. Labour MEPs believe that this is a waste of money and have joined the fight to abolish Strasbourg sessions, which would result in having just one seat of Parliament, based in Brussels. Sign the petition here to support the cause.

15 May 2006: The Socialist Group needs you!

The Party of European Socialists is looking to recruit activists across all member states. For more information on how to get involved look here. If you have any opinions on how the LME can work with the PES to promote European issues in the UK, let us know!

9 May 2006: LME National Executive results announced!

The LME AGM, which took place this evening in the House of Commons, saw the announcement of the results of this year's National Executive elections. For more information on your new Executive, look here.

6 February 2006: LME launches new campaign leaflet

A new national campaign leaflet aimed at ordinary party members was launched today by the Labour Movement for Europe.

The leaflet, Campaigning for a Better Europe, targets Labour party members, explaining LME's work and how to get involved.

Download it here or contact us for a hard copy!

5 February 2006: LME Yorkshire & Humber at regional conference

LME continued the success of its recent revival at the recent Yorkshire & Humber Regional Policy Forum. The LME stand offered various informative materials, including a new pamphlet entitled The EU – Who makes the decisions?.

Several members were on hand to discuss European issues with attending delegates, and were delighted at the response.

3 February 2006: New regional website for London & South East

LME London & South East regions have launched a new joint campaign website.

To view the site, visit http://www.lme-lse.org.uk.

To join in the London & South East campaign, enter the Secure Campaign Centre.

11 January 2006: LME London/South East relaunch a success

The first meeting of LME's regional campaign group for London and South East was held yesterday in London. At the meeting, key campaign decisions were taken and future plans agreed. Full details are available in the London & South East Forum of the Secure Campaign Centre.

The next meeting of the campaign group has already been scheduled - check out our Events page for more information!

8 January 2006: LME regional launches

The rebuilding of LME as a live campaigning organisation continues apace. Inaugural meetings of LME regional organisations in London, South East, and Yorkshire & Humber will all be taking place in January as follows:

For more information and contact details, check out our Events page. All LME members are welcome to attend. More discussion will follow both meetings in the online Secure Campaign Centre!