Jon Cruddas’ speech warning that Labour is lost in England has attracted plenty of attention for that line alone. But there was another section that is worth taking note of, given the former party policy chief is keen to play such a big role in rebuilding Labour after its febrile summer.
Cruddas also spoke about Labour’s challenge on Europe, arguing most significantly that the party should support two categories of EU membership and take a stronger position on the renegotiation. He said:
‘We need to strengthen our pro-European politics with a clear position. We should recognise the reservations many of our citizens have about giving up our sovereignty to Brussels about joining the European currency, submitting to overseas jurisdiction, and being exposed to the free movement of labour and open immigration.’
He argued that the category of EU membership that Britain could sign up for would be ‘for countries who do not want full union to be their final destination’ and that ‘Britain will then be free to play a leading alliance building a role in Europe’.
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