My final speech in the European Parliament
Speaking for the final time in the European Parliament, I explain why I will be voting against the Withdrawal Agreement.
Richard
Author Archives
-
-
Final MEP Report – 31 January 2020
My Final Report – 31 January 2020
-
General Election Reflections
Labour List has published my article on why the Party’s ambivalence toward Brexit prior to and during the General Election, ended up being the worst of both worlds.
-
Speaking after AFCO Committee vote on Withdrawal Deal
Last week, I spoke for the final time on this Committee, immediately after they voted (reluctantly) to approve the withdrawal agreement, prior to it being presented to the European Parliament next week.
-
Rule-Takers vs. Rule-Makers: The EU-Norway Fisheries Agreements for 2020
One of the key arguments repeated time and again by Brexit supporters is the idea that Britain will ‘take back control of our waters’. The notion that the UK could run a completely different national policy, increase its catch by reserving all rights to fish in the UK’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) to UK fishers, is a far cry from the reality of migratory fish and depleting fish stocks.
-
EU & UK citizens’ rights after 31 January
Speaking in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, for what will be the final session for British MEPs, on the continued importance of fighting for UK and EU citizens’ rights.
-
Brexit: Now The Real Problems Start
Proceeding with Brexit involves difficult choices. The Johnson deal does not “Get Brexit done”. In fact, it’s simply the end of the first, easier, and less important part – the exit arrangements. Now come the negotiations on the future relationship. It means years more wrangling, arguments and division.
-
Speaking in the European Parliament: 18 December 2019
Speaking in Strasbourg after the UK General Election, I reminding MEPs that 53% of the UK voted for parties that voted for a second referendum, and that PM Johnson is already reneging on promises he made and will press for a Hard Brexit.
-
My Latest Article in Labour List
Reflecting on the poor election result for our party in Labour List, I argue that our Brexit policy was not wrong, but that it did not go far enough.
-
Three Labour Remainers (in a pub)
I recently caught up with Alex Sobel, Labour candidate for Leeds North West, and Mike Galsworthy, activist and campaigner for Scientists in the EU and recorded a video of our discussion.
-
The Lisbon Treaty’s 10th anniversary: what it changed, what worked and what didn’t
1 December 2019 marks 10 years since the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon. With MEPs and the new European Commission preparing the Future of Europe conference due to start in early 2020, it is important to look back on what the Lisbon Treaty achieved and what it didn’t achieve.
-
Berlin: 3 snapshots
The 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall brings back some personal memories. Three in particular are amusing but illustrative. The first is from when I hitchhiked to Berlin in 1973 as an 18 year old, getting a lift from inside West Germany and going along the “corridor” road through East Germany to […]
-
The vexed issue of subsidies for building new fishing vessels
The EP fisheries committee today voted to give a mandate to its negotiating team to start negotiations with the Council on the next European Maritime and Fisheries Fund.
-
Thomas Cook’s collapse shows why EU protections are essential
In the light of the the collapse of Thomas Cook and the loss of jobs and inconvenience to thousands of holidaymakers, it is worth reflecting on the safety nets and support that our EU membership entitles us to in such terrible situations.
-
Brexit Debate in the European Parliament on 22 October
Speaking in the chamber on the Withdrawal Act bill, the need for a confirmatory referendum and Labour’s position on a Brexit referendum in any circumstances.
-
Speaking at the People’s Vote March: 19 October 2019
Addressing the Labour and Left bloc near Hyde Park at the start of the Let Us Be Heard march. Click here to start video.
-
Why I’m Marching for a Final Say
For the past three years, the fate of this country has been held hostage by internal ideological squabbling of the Tory Party. It’s time to let the people be heard and give them a final say on Brexit.
-
Speaking in the European Parliament Brexit Debate
My contribution to the Brexit debate in the European Parliament, outlining how Boris Johnson is playing the blame game, tabling proposals that are unworkable and which he knows the EU and people on the island of Ireland will reject.
-
MAP Charity: Inspired by a sense of responsibility
I recently visited MAP Charity in Leeds where silk screen printing, rooftop aquaponic gardening, creative media and sound engineering are just some of the activities that re-engage young people with learning important skills.
-
Speaking in the Brexit policy debate at Labour Conference
My contribution to the Brexit debate on Monday 23 September at Labour Party Conference in Brighton.
-
Labour can’t be ambiguous about the next EU referendum
Writing in Labour List I explain why Labour cannot afford to be ambiguous about the next EU referendum.
-
European Parliament Debate on Kashmir
Last week I chaired a conference on Kashmir in Brussels. This week I spoke in the debate in the chamber, calling on the EU and its member states to put pressure on India to address the situation it has created in Azad Kashmir.
-
Speaking in the European Parliament debate on Brexit
Speaking in the European Parliament debate on Brexit about Johnson’s minority government, opposition parties united against no deal, and the shift against Brexit among the British people.
-
What Next in the Brexit Saga?
There are, yet again, several possible Brexit scenarios in the weeks ahead: Johnson sits on his hands, allows the clock to tick down until the 31 October deadline, and Britain leaves the EU without a deal, despite what Johnson previously promised and despite the fact that Parliament has voted against such a chaotic and costly […]