Responding to the publication of the draft deal between David Cameron and Donald Tusk on the EU renegotiation, Glenis Willmott MEP, Labour's Leader in the European Parliament, said:
"Remaining in the European Union is vital for our economy, our rights, and our security - there are no circumstances under which we would be better off outside the EU, so we must not allow talk of this deal to eclipse the bigger picture.
"This referendum is going to be about working people, the rights they enjoy and the jobs that we have as a result of being in the EU - you only need look at the reaction of Eurosceptics to see that EU membership is worth fighting for.
"UKIP and the Tory right wanted workers' rights slashed. Rights like a minimum four weeks' paid holiday; parental leave; flexible working; equal protection for part-time workers. It is a victory for Labour and our sister parties across Europe that the undermining of these rights is no longer under discussion. We must now ensure that British people keep these rights by keeping Britain in the EU.
"We cannot wait for summits and talks. The battle must begin now, it is one we must win, we can win and we will win, and only then can we put an end to the uncertainty that is bad for Britain and bad for working people."
ENDS
For further information, please contact Shamik Das on 0044 7920 441362 or 0032 479 790053.
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