Britain and Europe: A City minister's perspective

Britain's membership of the EU strengthens London as a global financial centre, argues City Minister, Ed Balls. The UK should engage actively with the EU, to ensure that its financial regulation is proportionate, flexible, and implemented effectively. Similar principles should apply to European action in other areas, such as the single market, climate change and the EU budget. Ed Balls argues for a 'hard-headed pro-Europeanism'. This means recognising that Britain is stronger by co-operating with partners in the EU to meet shared challenges, but having the confidence to stand firm where UK national interests would be damaged, and argue the case where Europe risks taking the wrong course.

Ed Balls MP was appointed Economic Secretary to the Treasury in May 2006. He has been Member of Parliament for Normanton since 2005.