Labour will work to advance a reform agenda which promotes economic growth and more secure, better paid jobs across the EU. Labour will tackle high youth unemployment whilst seeking banking reform to ensure proper control of bankers’ bonuses. Labour would increase transparency about the tax multinationals pay and supports a financial transaction tax agreed by all of the world’s financial centres.

Labour believes that the EU should be focused on driving up living standards to ease the cost of living crisis. Labour would tackle low pay and job insecurity and would ban zero hour contracts when they are exploitative. We would reform the energy market whilst protecting consumer, social and workplace rights. Protecting the NHS from the full force of EU competition law while putting patients first would be a priority and Labour would continue to support international efforts to fight cross-border crime.

Labour believes that immigration brings benefits to our country, making it richer economically, socially and culturally. But we recognise genuine concerns about the pace of change and a race to the bottom between workers when it comes to wages and working conditions. Labour would implement maximum transitional controls if new countries join the EU in future By reforming our economy to promote integration and to prevent an over-reliance on low skilled migrant labour, we believe that immigration can work for everyone rather than just for some. This is best achieved by setting fair rules and clear expectations.

Labour believes that real British national interest lies in helping to create a world that reflects the best of our values. Ensuring that value for money is always prominent when development aid is provided will mean that we continue to fight extreme poverty effectively. Labour would also fight climate change by building a low carbon economy whilst working with the EU to ensure the UK benefits from research and development that promotes and supports good quality green jobs.

Labour believes we can bring down the cost of the Parliament and reform the Commission while reforming how the EU spends its money and how Britain gets best value. Labour is calling for national parliaments to have more of a say over the making of new EU legislation and the next Labour Government would clearly define conditions under which we would hold an in/out referendum in the event of a transfer of powers from Britain to Brussels.