Minister of State for European Affairs, Dara Murphy TD, is visiting London today (Monday) and tomorrow to engage with the Irish community and meet with his British counterpart, Europe Minister David Lidington MP, ahead of the EU referendum in the UK, which will take place in ten days time, on 23 June. The visit forms part of a coordinated series of ministerial engagements to reach out to Irish citizens living and working in the UK who are eligible to vote, offering the Irish perspective and encouraging them to exercise that right.
Minister Murphy will join the Rt Hon David Lammy MP (Tottenham) and Ireland’s Ambassador to Britain, Dan Mulhall to meet with members of the Irish community in Haringey, North London. Speaking in the Irish Community Centre there, Minister Murphy will highlight the Government’s wish to see the UK remain part of a strong EU, working with Ireland to make it better:
“Can the EU do better? Undoubtedly. Do aspects of how the EU does business need to be improved? Yes, absolutely. From an Irish perspective, we think the best place to do that is around the negotiation table. We hope that Britain will remain at that table, with a strong British voice continuing to help these discussions."
Minister Murphy will emphasise how joint membership of what is now the EU has provided the foundation for British-Irish relations to thrive:
“We’ve all seen in the last few years that the relationship between our two islands has never been stronger. 43 years ago we joined the European Community together – how different things were between us back then. In so many ways, Ireland and the UK being in the EU together has put us on the same footing. The trust and partnership that has been built up around the negotiating table in Brussels has enabled great strides to be taken over the years.”
With Euro 2016 underway, as part of his remarks Minister Murphy will speak about the tangible benefits of European cooperation, saying:
“Every football fan travelling to France from Ireland – or the UK for that matter – gains from EU membership, with lower roaming charges and access to the French public health service in case of a medical emergency being two practical examples.”
Reflecting on the unique Irish perspective on the referendum: the need for a strong UK in the EU; the Northern Ireland dimension; and to underpin British-Ireland relations and the vibrant trade relationship; Minister Murphy will encourage the community to vote on 23 June.
ENDS