David shares news of this upcoming event from the Strong In Europe campaign. Ed
Representatives of four major political parties on the Island, along with independent councillors, will next week join forces to launch the Isle of Wight campaign to keep the UK as a member of the European Union.
The campaign – which includes activists from the local Conservative, Labour, Liberal Democrat and Green parties – will be launched next Monday (30th May) with a speech in Newport by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Greg Hands MP.
HM Treasury Cabinet Minister
Mr Hands – the MP for Chelsea and Fulham – is a Cabinet Minister in HM Treasury, which has this week released analysis showing that Britain would enter recession with 500,000 UK jobs lost if it left EU. He will be speaking at next Monday’s launch on the theme of “the case for Remain”.
With polling cards for the EU Referendum having arrived on doormats, it is now just four weeks until the UK goes to the polls on 23rd June.
Speaking ahead of the launch next Monday, Stewart Blackmore – Labour’s parliamentary candidate in the 2015 General Election – said:
“It is essential for the Isle of Wight’s economy that the UK remains a member of the EU.
“Whatever other disagreements I have with the Conservative Government, this particular issue is so important that I welcome this opportunity to hear directly from a Treasury Minister about the risks to our country if we came out of European Union.”
Importance for young people to register
Vix Lowthion, the Green Party’s candidate in the 2015 General Election, added:
“The UK’s membership of the European Union is essential for protecting workers’ rights and tackling climate change. It is particularly important that young people register to vote by 7th June to ensure they can have their say in the UK’s future in the EU.”
David Pugh, former Conservative Leader of the Isle of Wight Council said:
“With this obvious exception of UKIP, this campaign enjoys the support of activists from all parties which contested last year’s General Election on the Island.
“Whilst this referendum will be won on the basis of a national vote, it is important that we play our part in encouraging local voters of all persuasions to back Remain on 23rd June. I am delighted that Greg Hands has agreed to join us for the launch of our local campaign.”
Incomes on IW would be affected
Nick Belfitt, Vice-Chairman of the Isle of Wight Liberal Democrats added:
“A Leave vote would have a detrimental effect on household incomes on the Island, the prosperity of our local businesses and opportunities for young people.
“Whilst the Isle of Wight needs more financial resources, this will only happen if we have a strong stable economy – supported by the UK’s membership of the single market that brings the stability needed to generate funding for essential public services and provide a future for young Islanders.”
Where and when
The launch of the Isle of Wight Stronger In campaign will take place in the Anthony Minghella Theatre at Quay Arts (Sea Street, Newport) at 11:30am on Monday 30th May. Doors open at 11am, although the café downstairs will be open from 10am.
Although the launch event is taking place to kick-start the local campaign (and will be attended by Remain supporters), it is also open to any Island residents who may be undecided about how to vote in the referendum and wish to hear more about the Government’s position. There will be the opportunity to put questions to Greg Hands.
Anyone who wishes to attend should email [email protected] to register their interest. Due to limited capacity attendance may be restricted.
