Podcast: Download the keynote audio podcast from this event by right-clicking here and choosing ‘Save link as’.
About the Speech: After 40 years of EU membership, the UK will hold a referendum on whether it should remain or leave the EU. The referendum comes against a backdrop of disquiet within the UK over membership in recent years, particularly over the free movement of people which is a basic condition of membership and the twin crises of the Eurozone’s troubles and the huge flow of refugees into Europe over the past year. In this speech Pat McFadden, a campaigner for Britain to stay in the EU, set out the background for the Brexit debate, the implications of leaving and what this debate will say about Britain’s role in the world.
About the Speaker: The Right Honourable Pat McFadden was Shadow Minister for Europe for the Labour Party from October 2014 – January 2016. In 2010, Mr McFadden was appointed Shadow Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills before returning to the backbenches in September 2010. He was Minister of State at the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform in 2007 and remained as Minister of State in its successor department, the Department of Business Innovation and Skills. In 2006, Mr McFadden joined the Labour Government as Parliamentary Under Secretary at the Cabinet Office. He was elected as MP for Wolverhampton South East in 2005, pledging in his maiden speech to fight for education and opportunity for all regardless of their background. He worked as a researcher for Donald Dewar MP, a speechwriter for John Smith MP and an adviser to Tony Blair, both in opposition and later in 10 Downing St.
