London – Miliband: Britain’s future lies in a deeper partnership with the EU

LONDON, September 28 — British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said today that Britain’s future in the economy, defence and security lies in a stronger and deeper partnership with the European Union, as ATSH and DPA report.

Speaking at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, Miliband said that for Britain, Europe is not only a question of geography, but also the space where the country pursues its values and interests — from the climate and the Middle East to trade and defence.

He stressed that Britain will continue to support Ukraine and stand up to Russian threats.

“We will never give in to Russia’s threats to stand aside and abandon the people of Ukraine,” Miliband said.

According to him, Britain is part of efforts to support Ukraine both in humanitarian terms and as a European country.

He argued that cooperation with other European countries is necessary to protect British alliances and interests.

“Our future lies in a stronger and deeper partnership with the European Union,” Miliband said, linking this approach to the economy, defence and security.

In his speech, the Foreign Secretary also addressed people who are worried and angered by the situation of the Palestinian people, saying their concerns have been heard.

Meanwhile, the British minister for EU relations, Hamish Falconer, said he hoped a “sensible deal” could be found so that Britain is not excluded from the proposed “Made in Europe” scheme.

The scheme aims to direct EU public contracts and subsidies mainly towards producers located within the bloc.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has urged the EU to avoid what he has described as “collateral damage” to British industry.

Falconer said the scheme is still at the proposal stage and there is no reason for great concern before negotiations move further.