By Bev Haigh-Jones & Charles Boney
Cornwall for Europe’s “Day for Rejoin” event with the talk by Molly Scott Cato went really well. There was a good turnout and Molly’s talk was realistic, but also really interesting and encouraging. There was time for questions at the end and then a chat over tea and coffee, with old and new members. We have now also put a film of the talk on our YouTube channel, for those who didn’t attend. Watch it here. You can also view Molly’s slide presentation here.
I don’t wish to reinvent the wheel when it comes to more detail of the event as our Press Officer, Charles, has done such a great review with his press release, which you can read below.
Review and Press Release
By Charles Boney
On Saturday 23 March, Cornwall for Europe hosted a former Member of the European Parliament, Molly Scott Cato, at a meeting at Truro School. Over 50 local members heard Molly Scott Cato talk about “The Journey Home. How can we return to the heart of Europe?”
Molly Scott Cato is Vice-Chair of the European Movement and travelled to Cornwall to support local campaigners. This supported a national “Day for Rejoin” with events up and down the country.
Cornish campaigners listened to a detailed talk which included overwhelming evidence that the UK has changed its mind; there is now a stable and clear belief that a mistake was made in 2016 and a new referendum would vote for a return to the EU. “Sadly, it is not the case that we could rejoin tomorrow, as we already have a problem of divergence – trade rules, standards in certain key commercial sectors, environmental issues have differences between the EU and the UK. There would have to be detailed negotiations. We left the EU when we had a special relationship established, including a favourable financial deal and various opt-outs from EU rules. Why would they want us back on those terms?” However, a future government should seek to get closer to Europe, with a better trade deal, leading in steps to a return to the single market and eventual return to membership.
As the talk and questions continued, a key issue emerged about the way British people think of themselves and their national identity, including the fact of a huge generational split. “Younger voters are much more flexible in their thinking and can see themselves as citizens of something wider than one nation state. The slogan ‘get back control’ was a strong emotive appeal to history and identity that worked for the older generation. The strongest argument to Remain was that of national security; you seek peace with those you trade with, but this was not widely debated in 2016. Given what is happening today, the case for a united, strong Europe is overwhelming.”
Howard Farmer, Chair of Cornwall for Europe, commented. “We were greatly encouraged to be supported by Molly and the European Movement.
“Cornwall’s economy has been badly hit by Brexit; the fishing industry has seen shellfish trade decimated, farmers are unhappy about the changing rules of agricultural support, and there is a general labour shortage in many sectors. Cornwall’s tourist sector, in particular, finds it very difficult to attract seasonal labour. The government has made matters worse, as the levelling-up agenda means a big reduction in regional support, compared to the successful EU funding.”
Cornwall for Europe is planning a series of meetings and other events. Dominic Grieve, former Conservative Cabinet Minister and Attorney General, will speak at a meeting in June and the campaigners hold regular street stalls in Cornish towns which attract good support.
