Speech by Peter Mandelson: The EU, Britain and globalisation
In the following lines I will intodruce Peter Mandelson (British politician) to you and show you the most important aspects he mentioned in his speech at Hull University on the 7th of September 2oo7.
Peter Mandelson:
-he was born in 1953
-he is Bristish Labour Party politician
-he rebranded the Labour Party with new concepts. It is now called "New Labour"
-he is one of the main players of the Labour Party along with Gordon Brown and Tony Blair
-he used to be a Member of Parliament and an important European Commissioner.
-he is the serving Secretary of State for Business, Entreprise and Regulatory Reform since the 3rd of October and a Member of the House of Lords.
His speech:
Peter Mandelson shares the opinion that in nower days the EU is more necessary than ever before. In the past it helped to cope with problems and developed the European continent.
The EU ended interstate and continential conflicts, which is a great resulting that developed out of its existence. Additionaly the EU supported the consolidation of democracy as for example in Greece, Spain and Portugal. The Eastern and Western Part of Europe got reunited by the effect of the EU.
From a global-orientated perspective is the EU a very big institution that created the largest Sinlge Market in the world.
Mandelson makes known that the EU has a very important challenge today in the 21st century. The EU has not fullfilled its potential yet, so the Member countries need to conitnue working close together. They have to face challenges like the climate change and economy. He appeals to create new markets for the goods of the European Union.
The EU as one partner needs to act together to get good trade connections to China and the USA. Mandelson mentions that too many member countries a thinking that they are struggling with topics like these alone. He again appeals to get together!
He knows that Britain experienced periods when it didn't feel at home in the EU and he says that we shouldn't forget about the past but don't bring it up again and again in discussions. We need to think about the future!
Today many things have changed so that Britain can feel at home in the EU. Many topics and priorities like the climate change, energy problems and economical reform are the same for Great Britain and the European Union.
Peter Mandelson ends his speech saying these words:"The EU needs a strong engaged Britain. And Britain needs a strong EU."
Gordon Brown once said a quite similar sentence:"The European Union is essential to the succuess of Britain and Britain fully engaged in Europe is essential to the success of the European Union."
By Marek
Should Britain join the euro?
Here we present you some current arguments of British people for and against their country joining the euro. They are quoted from a discussion at BBC News.
| pros | cons |
| "The euro as a common European currency is an inevitable necessity." | According to the situation in Germany, "it would make matters worse in the Uk not better" |
| "The sooner the better." | " The only people not no lose out if we joined the euro would be the fat cats in business" |
| "Our future is with the EU" | "Just look at Germany, high unemployment, high inflation and it's government is impotent to do anything about it " |
| "We are Europeans and should recognise that fact" | " Much better to keep our options open" |
| "The pound is just a token" | "For those who want to be part of the euro, why don't they leave and live in a country that has the euro " |
Lisa F. , Christian P.
- still not sure if Britain ever joins the euro
-politicians can not agree about this problem
-Conservatives for keeping the pound
-Labour still undecided ( won general election )
-population divided ( 50% want to keep pound, 50% want euro )
-reasons for/against euro:
+euro is successful currency ( compared to $ price )
+larger businesses could manage their foreign exchange transactions more
efficiently
+easier for everyday life ( holiday, etc. )
-long planing needed ( designs, coins+notes to fabricate, etc. )
-pound very old currency
-UK is not connected to mainland of Europe:
-fears of crossing borders, learning foreign languages,etc.
Lisa F. Christian P.