Ed Miliband has committed any future Labour government to completing Thatcher’s project of the Single European Market. In a speech in London he said, “We need to drive forward the completion of the single market in digital, energy and services. I am pleased to say the CBI has agreed to help develop proposals about how to complete the single market.”
Miliband pledged, “We should also use Europe’s strength to negotiate trade agreements with other parts of the world. As well as moving as fast as possible towards securing the Trade and Investment Partnership between the EU and the US.” Typically, this too echoes the position of the government.
He also said that the next Labour government will legislate for a new lock on any transfer of power to the EU (just like the Conservatives’ policy). He admitted that “it is unlikely this lock will be used in the next Parliament.” So, this is a promise that is not a promise. He offers a referendum and then takes it away. A referendum will not happen unless we make it happen. ■