Europe Matters says MEP

Labour's MEP for the East of England tells ColchesterLabour.com why what happens across Europe affects us all.

Richard Howitt MEP "With Europe still embroiled in a financial crisis and a vote forced in the House of Commons on a referendum to leave the EU, I think I’d better start by saying that if there is anyone left who doesn’t think Europe’s an important part of politics in the UK, it really is time to think again.

What happens on the continent profoundly affects everyone in Suffolk and Essex but what happens here also has an effect across the Channel. I’d like to share two local issues close to my heart which I was able to raise in the European Parliament last month, bringing European attention to issues on behalf of constituents.

In a debate about unequal societies across Europe, I was proud to showcase Age UK’s ‘Surviving Winter’ campaign to the floor of the European Parliament in Strasbourg. As well as giving credit to the local groups in Suffolk and North Essex that are fighting to raise awareness of the plight of elderly people in the area, it was a chance to thank all those who have donated to the ‘Surviving Winter’ fund to support them.

At the same time, I am deeply saddened that in the 21st century elderly people will die in Suffolk and Essex this winter because they cannot afford to heat their homes. This is intolerable and we must fight to stop it.

It was with also with regret that I reported to the European Parliament the closure of the coastguard station in Walton-on-the-Naze. This will make our coastlines less safe for everyone on our seaside including the boating community across the Channel who we want to keep visiting our shores. Rescue services in France, Belgium and the Netherlands risk their lives to assist British vessels and sailors in distress; sadly with the closure of the Walton station I fear that European vessels will no longer receive the same level of support."

Follow Richard Howitt MEP on Twitter at @richardhowitt.