Europe Day

TODAY we celebrate Europe Day, which 64 years ago marked the foundation of what is now the European Union.

Not many people, however, will take notice of the fact.

Unfortunately, they also won’t notice the safeguards they enjoy at work, which are down to the efforts of the EU, nor the holiday and rest entitlements they get from EU membership.

Those in hospital may not notice the care they are getting from professionals able to work in the UK because of the free movement of individuals across the 28-
nation EU, nor appreciate how millions of Britons are able to settle in other parts of Europe and enjoy all the benefits of other citizens in those countries because of this rule.

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They possibly won’t see the benefits for the environment that come from our membership of the EU, nor the wealth that has accrued in our country because of our membership of the world’s largest trading bloc.

Just over half a century ago, our continent was torn by strife, with hundreds of thousands of young Britons losing their lives on the battlefields of Europe. In contrast today our continent is a beacon of hope for those around the world in terms of promoting peace and protecting human rights.

I would urge every reader of The Scotsman not to forget these things and to recognise the positive benefits membership of the European Union has delivered. Europe Day provides an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of Europe’s citizens in creating the European Union and, crucially, to remember these benefits when they cast their vote in the European parliamentary elections on 22 May.

Derek Hammersley

Chairman, European
Movement in Scotland

Cumberland Street SE Lane