UK Labour launches campaign to stay in EU

The Labour party on Tuesday launched its campaign for Britain to remain in the European Union, saying that the Paris terror attacks showed the need to “stand shoulder to shoulder” with European partners.

The Conservative government has promised an in-out referendum by the end of 2017, with recent polls showing the public split neck-and-neck on the issue despite all the main parties campaigning to stay in.

Former interior minister Alan Johnson launched his party’s campaign to stay in the 28-member bloc in Birmingham, central England, arguing that Britain would be less safe on its own.

“The first duty of any government is to keep our country safe and I firmly believe that leaving the EU would fail that test,” he said.

“The lesson from Paris is clear: to tackle terrorism we must stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies in Europe. The security of Britain is inextricably linked to staying in Europe. Britons will be asked whether they want to “Remain” in the bloc or “Leave” after the electoral commission ruled that a “Yes” or “No” question could favour those who want Britain to stay in the EU.