This is what Gordon Brown, the prime Minister and Leader of the Labour Party has to say about the European Elections:

I know Britain has the strength to fight back against the international recession and our Labour Government is putting fairness at the heart of the fightback: by bringing forward investment, providing help for people 

threatened with the loss of their jobs and homes, and giving extra support to families and pensioners. As we look ahead to the European elections on June 4th, we should be confident about the prospects for recovery in Britain and Europe because we have this clear plan to invest, not cut, our way out of the downturn.  At all 

levels of the Labour Party, locally, nationally and in the European Parliament we are doing whatever it takes to build for a fairer and more prosperous future. 

International cooperation has never been more fundamental to our national interest than it is today; this is a global crisis and it requires a global solution.  At the G20 in London we saw the world come together to begin the fightback, but there is so much more that we can achieve when we stand strong together.  

Europe has led the way in taking joint action to boost growth and jobs and prevent further financial turmoil. So far over £400 billion of stimulus has been injected into the European economy by EU member states.  We and our European partners are united in our determination to do all we can to restore growth, save and create jobs and spread prosperity across Europe.  And we will continue to work together to support economic recovery, tackle climate change, promote security and create new opportunities for decent and well-paying work. 

The Conservative Party rejects the idea of partnership with the EU.  They would leave Britain isolated and lacking the power to deliver for the British people.  Their determination not to engage in Europe to fight for Britain would seriously damage British business, which does over half its trade with other EU countries, and which supports over 3 million British jobs. 

We in the Labour Party are proud to be strong and influential Europeans.  We are now in Europe’s mainstream not its slipstream.  We also know that being part of an EU of 27 members makes us stronger in the world.  We know that the challenges we face today – ranging from climate change to cooperating across borders to detain and arrest criminals – can only be solved in partnership.   The EU, thanks to the hard work of Labour MEPs, has helped deliver stronger rights at work and a better deal for British consumers and families.  And where the European Union needs to be reformed, Labour MEPs have shown they are willing to fight and win for Britain’s interests. 

There is a lot at stake in this election.  Let’s work to win it not just for the sake of our Party, but for the sake of our country. Together we can win the fight for Britain’s future. 

...And here are the views of Glenis Willmott MEP, Leader of the European  Parliamentary Labour Party: 

Labour believes in fair chances, a fair say and fair rules for everyone and our record, both in Europe and at home, proves it. These are values vital to the times in which we find ourselves. That is why electing Labour 

politicians in Europe makes a real difference. Labour MEPs will continue to stand up for hard-working people in Europe whether through  campaigning for lower prices and better standards for British consumers or calling for improved working rights . On June 4 the choice is clear – a progressive outward looking  Labour Party who will use our alliances and influence to put Britain’s interest first or  parties who  would put their own ideological obsessions with Europe  before the needs of the British people. 

Read  the CALL TO ACTION from your Labour MEP, Peter Skinner here

Go out and VOTE LABOUR on June 4th.