Deputy leader

UK-EU relations: towards a viable and prosperous future - UKIP Deputy Leader Paul Nuttall MEP

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• published: 05 Jul 2016
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http://www.ukipmeps.org | http://www.ukip.org/join • European Parliament, Strasbourg, 05 July 2016 • Paul Nuttall MEP, Deputy Leader, UK Independence Party (North West), Europe of Freedom and Direct Democracy (EFDD) group - @paulnuttallukip - www.paulnuttallmep.com - Bluecard question from Liisa JAAKONSAARI MEP (Finland), Socialist group (S&D;) • Debate: Conclusions of the European Council meeting of 28 and 29 June 2016 European Council and Commission statements [2016/2711(RSP)] Transcript: Thank you. I want to start by really by changing the tone of this debate Ms Harms. I’m not going to rabble rouse in any way shape or form because I’m sure things were said in the aftermath of Brexit which I’m sure many people regret. Not only certain people in this chamber, also in the Commission, but also in the UK itself. The British people have spoken and threats and bullying are not the answer to the questions the UK leaving the European Union has thrown up. Now I want to look forwards, not backwards because what is needed now is some fair and equitable negotiations that will ensure that the best deal is struck for both the British people and the European Union. As an elected British representative, I have a duty to ensure that the will of our people is fulfilled. Now Mr Juncker, I am not here to crow, I am not here to gloat or I am not here to hector, but merely tell you that it is in both our interests to get the best deal possible. We in the European Parliament should both put aside language of conflict and as elected representatives work towards a viable and prosperous future together. The outcome of the referendum is clear: The British people want to leave political union and being also member of a Single Market which entails freedom of movement of people. We want access to the Single Market like the United States, like China and like Russia and many other countries around the globe, but we will take back control of our own borders, of our own laws and own money. In the longer term we would like to see a free trade deal between ourselves and the European Union. And this makes sense not just for us, but also for the EU. We the British have a huge trading deficit with European Union. 60 billion pounds last year alone. Millions of jobs on the continent are dependent on British trade. We are the French farmers’ biggest market place - purchasing 35 million bottles of champagne alone last year. We are the German car manufacturers’ largest market, buying 800,000 German cars last year. The last thing any of us want in my country and here is a tariff war as it will be mutually destructive for both of our economies. The UK and Europe are joined by geography, culture, history and trade and that will not change. Therefore it is imperative on so many levels that we are good, healthy trading neighbours. We owe to the citizens of both the UK and Europe to conduct these negotiations in a grown up manner so we can get the best deal for everyone. .................... • Video: EbS (European Parliament) .................................. • EU Member States: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Spain, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, United Kingdom