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Liberal Democrats on Europe

The UK’s role and influence within Europe has been a consistent political topic dating back to the Treaty of Rome in 1957 which established the European Economic Community. Since a national referendum in 1975 confirmed Britain’s entry into the common market, every treaty establishing further integration has increased the importance of "Europe" as a political issue. The key issues include (and are in no way limited to): the extent of the UK’s participation within the EU, enlargement of the EU, European Monetary Union and, most recently, the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty.

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The issues

Liberal Democrats strongly opposes the United Kingdom withdrawing from the European Union

"Membership of the EU remains vital if Britain is to reap the benefits of globalisation."

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Liberal Democrats strongly opposes attempts by the UK government to repatriate policy control back from the EU over areas such as immigration, criminal justice and employment law.

"Liberal Democrats will Opt-in and lead Europe in developing policies to deal with... justice and home affairs issues."

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Liberal Democrats is neutral on the view that prior to the ratification of the 2007 Lisbon Treaty by the UK government a referendum was needed

"Leader Nick Clegg had ordered his 63 MPs to abstain in the vote on calls for a referendum on the EU Lisbon Treaty."

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"We decided instead to press for a more meaningful referendum on the whole question of Britain's continued membership of the EU, which the other main parties rejected."

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"The Liberal Democrats decided that a referendum on this treaty would not discharge the commitment that we gave in our 2005 Manifesto to hold a referendum on the constitution."

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Liberal Democrats strongly supports European Union enlargement

"Liberal Democrats welcome the prospect of further enlargement in due course and support future membership for Turkey."

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Liberal Democrats strongly supports further UK economic integration with the European Union with a view to entering economic and monetary union at some point

"We would not give it (a campaign to adopt the euro) priority - we are not pushing for early entry, said Nick Clegg. The Liberal Democrats have traditionally been the party with fewest reservations about entry."

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