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Raise the Flag for Europe Day!

On 9 May 1950, Robert Schuman, Foreign Minister of the French Republic, called for France and Germany to pool the means of steel production. His aim was the prevention of further conflict between the two nations.

The European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) came into existence the following year and led eventually to the creation of two further communities: the European Atomic Energy community, generally referred to as ‘Euratom’, and the European Economic Community (EEC), generally known as ‘the Common Market’.

Nowadays, the anniversary of the ‘Schuman Declaration’ of 9 May 1950 is marked as Europe Day across the continent.

However, it should not be seen as merely an EU celebration. The foundation of ECSC was a part of a general movement, following the end of the Second World War, to seek the means of ensuring peace on the continent of Europe.

Another part of the movement, proposed by among others the British wartime premier, Winston Churchill, was the founding of the Council of Europe. This is a larger organization than and predates the European Union, and it is one to which the United Kingdom still belongs.

To celebrate Europe Day, your branch will be campaigning opposite the City Wall on the High Street in Rochester, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, 11 May 2024. In addition we have contacted councillors across Mid Kent, plus the CEO of Medway Council, inviting them to celebrate with us by raising the flag of Europe on Europe Day.

It may not happen in 2024, but there’s a hint that it’s possible in 2025. Keep your eyes peeled!

Campaigning to rejoin

Three hours in the sun (and the wind and the rain and the sleet)

On Saturday 23 March, volunteers from Mid Kent gathered amidst the market traders on Gillingham High Street to sell the idea of European Cooperation to the passers-by. Thanks to the seven volunteers (including Jack the Lab) who braved the elements and engaged with members of the public, some for three hours, some for less.

All volunteers present — Clem, Derrick, Peter and Jack the Lab, Nico, Edith and Susanne. Photo by Susanne, used with permission.

Despite the gusting March wind, we erected our trusty street stall, replete with membership invitation cards, Embrace Erasmus leaflets and others, which we pressed upon those who would take them.

EuroMonitor (formerly known as Brexitometer)

Our Rejoin Day EuroMonitor — Our NRD EuroMonitor. Photo by Susanne Binder, used with permission.

As usual we raised our whiteboard and flipchart with the latest Brexitometer on it, dubbed “EuroMonitor”. It had five questions, all relating to rebuilding the UK’s relationship with the EU.

It is interesting that no one disagreed with any of the propositions, and there was only one who was unsure about restoring Freedom of Movement.

“Would thou wert not so unkind”

While we were a little uncertain about the reception we would receive from the general public in the centre of Gillingham, on this occasion it was the weather which we had to do battle with. The wind, which seemed to change direction every few minutes, almost toppled the stall and the easel on several occasions.

The passing, heavy clouds teased us constantly with the threat of rain, while occasionally dumping considerable amounts on us. Twice the rain fell as sleet or wet snow.

When shall we do it again?

In spite of the weather “a good time was had by all”, as they say. And before we departed for home, we agreed that we’d do something similar to mark Europe Day around 9 May. More details will come along later.

European Movement Grassroots Conference

Dr Mike Galsworthy at the podium addressing the Grassroots gathering in Victoria Hall, Sheffield — Mike Galsworthy addressing the Grassroots conference in Birmingham. Image Copyright © EMUK

Members of the European Movement UK from all over the United Kingdom came together in Sheffield’s Victoria Hall on Saturday 15 July for a day-long Grassroots conference.

Address from our new Vice-President

The highlight of the day was an address from our latest vice-President, Dominic Grieve KC. He shared his passion for the UK’s membership of the European Union, and the reasons that we should, in due time, rejoin the bloc.

Data galore

The gathering was regaled with heaps of data regarding the Movement’s growing membership, the changing national attitude towards Brexit and many other things.

Later more data were shared with the workshop groups as they studied to understand how to engage with the local press, and how to shape your arguments to engage positively with those who disagree with you.

Branch represented

Mid Kent branch was ably represented by your Chair and your Treasurer. How might we persuade a few others to get involved?

The death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II

It is with sorrow that members learnt yesterday, 8 September 2022, of the death of our Sovereign.

We extend our condolences to all who mourn her passing, but above all to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In light of her death all campaigning activity is suspended during the period of national mourning.

This applies particularly to the National Rejoin March which was planned to take place in London tomorrow, 10 September.

A new date for the march will be agreed shortly, and information will be sent to members as soon as practicable.