Report to the People
Europe Day
The pleasant weather we always seem to enjoy at the beginning of May inevitably turns our minds to thoughts of summer.
And, at the time of year when we are looking forward to a continental holiday, dining al fresco on the patio, or scanning the sports pages to see which Bundesliga or Serie A football stars are coming to Scottish clubs, what better topic to discuss than Europe?
Last Wednesday, the Scottish Parliament marked "Europe Day" with a debate on the impact of the EU on Scottish life - from the 286,000 Scottish jobs which depend on production for the EU market to the many social benefits we have derived from membership.
Between 1994-99, I learned, Scotland received over £1 billion from the EU to tackle poverty and regenerate our most deprived areas. By 2007 we will have received another £900 million. Thanks to EU employment law, we have the right to a 48-hour working week. Part-time workers have more rights and the position of women in the workplace has been strengthened with rights to equal pay and conditions, protection when pregnant and increased maternity leave.
In Greenock we have a deep relationship with modern-day Europe. Troops sent from our ports in ships built in our yards played a key role in liberating occupied Europe during the Second World War. Funds from the European Union helped us recover after the collapse of shipbuilding. And today, when the inward investment we have attracted makes us the manufacturing export capital of Scotland, 63% of Scotland’s manufacturing exports are going to the EU.
So we don't have to look too far to see how important the EU is to us - or for the advantages membership has brought.
Indeed, our successful campaign to secure the continuation of European funding means we will continue to benefit. Inverclyde has been awarded Objective 2 and 3 status, which means we qualify for assistance under the European Regional Development Fund and the European Social Fund.
This new status means that Council and public sector schemes in 18 out of 20 areas in Inverclyde will be eligible to bid for funding from a £300 million pot.
From pasta to paternity rights; Ibiza to investment - from enjoyment to employment our longstanding links with Europe influence and enrich many aspects of our lives.
It’s just a pity the success of their football teams hasn’t rubbed off on us yet.
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