Wednesday 3 February 2016

Another Europe is Possible

David Cameron and Donald Tusk have  laid out their draft renegotiation. They're proud of the fact EU states will be allowed to declare an "emergence brake" on access to in-work benefits for migrant workers. This could mean terrible impoverishment for EU citizens working outside their home countries.
We want to be clear with you: our campaign opposes this measure and any attack on migrant worker rights. If, like us, you want to see a Europe where migrants aren't scapegoated for the problems of the system, then help us spread the word. Share our article, Cameron’s renegotiation a ‘step back for Europe’, with the hashtag #DontBackTheBrake on social media. Let's make sure we have the loudest possible voice for a Europe of social justice, human rights and environmental protection - a social Europe, not a bosses' one.  
And don't forget about the fantastic launch event we have lined up next week - a real coming together of grassroots movements and campaigns pushing for change. You can find all the details on Eventbrite

Cameron’s renegotiation a ‘step back for Europe’

Cameron doesn’t just want a less equal Britain. His renegotiation is trying to win a less equal Europe too
Photo: Georgina Coupe Flickr
Photo: Georgina Coupe Flickr
Under the terms of David Cameron’s draft deal with Donald Tusk all EU states would be allowed to use an ’emergency brake’ on in work benefits if they could show that their social security system’s were being put under strain. This could mean terrible impoverishment for EU citizens working outside their home countries. And it will do nothing to answer Europe’s problems. But it does show how Britain’s eurosceptics don’t just want a less equal Britain – they want a less equal Europe too, pushing through policies that would allow any right wing government in Europe free reign to attack in-work benefits.
Luke Cooper, the convenor of Another Europe Is Possible said:
A key benefit of European integration has always been that workers moving from one EU country to another should enjoy the same protections and rights as citizens of the home nation. The imposition of a so-called ’emergency brake clause’ on access of EU workers to social provisions is part of a dangerous race to the bottom to close borders happening across Europe. It is a step back for Europe.
Xenophobia, nationalism, and more punitive restrictions on free movement rights do not answer a single one of Europe’s problems. While Another Europe Is Possible will be campaigning for Britain to stay in the European Union, we will continue to oppose any attack on the rights of migrant workers.
With 1.8 million British citizens living in EU states we should not think of this as something that only affects migrants from Poland and other EU countries living in the UK. A more open, tolerant, and genuinely social Europe is called for now more than ever.”


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