STROUD’s governing co-operative alliance has positioned itself staunchly behind the ‘Remain’ camp on Britain’s place in the European Union.

The leaders of the ‘rainbow alliance’ of Labour, Greens and Liberal Democrats on Stroud District Council said the new administration firmly backed an ‘IN’ vote on June 23.

Steve Lydon (Dursley), the council’s newly elected leader, said the choice put before voters was clear.

“From a personal view I think it’s a no-brainier. We have to vote to stay in the EU,” he told the SNJ.

“Britain is only having a referendum on this issue because of a domestic argument within the Conservative Party. I find the whole thing farcical.

“To put the future of the country and the future on the economy in jeopardy over an internal conflict is completely irresponsible.

“We are part of the EU. Inside, we have a chance to shape and form it.”

Turning to the EU’s impact and benefits on Stroud, he said the district “profited hugely” from the European Structural and Investment Funds.

“Gloucestershire gets approximately £35 million from these funds,” said Cllr Lydon, who also represents Dursley on the county council.

“We don’t realise just how important this money is to the county and to Stroud itself.

“The Rural SuDS flood alleviation project that is being successfully pioneered here in Stroud is a good example of this. We wouldn’t have that if it wasn’t for the Structural Funds.”

Cllr Lydon warned that the biggest impact of a potential ‘Brexit’ vote next month would be the effect on business and jobs in Stroud.

Stroud News and Journal:

“Have a quick walk around the Stonehouse trading estate and look at the names of the companies,” he said.

“These are foreign owned businesses with foreign investments which employ hundreds number of people in the district.

“These are massive companies like Schlumberger and Dairyquest – which is owned by Muller.

“I’d be worried these kind of businesses would seriously consider their investment in the UK if we were to leave.

“Then there are others like Ecotricity, Renishaw and Airbus which benefit hugely from the EU and access to the single market.”

Cllr Doina Cornell (Dursley), deputy leader of the Labour group, said these investments and jobs would be crucial to the council in the challenging financial years to come.

“These businesses are a key part of our local economy. Their disinvestment could seriously undermine the amount of income we make from business rates,” she said.

“And with the government moving towards full devolution of business rates to councils by 2020, this issue is even more poignant.”

Green Party leader Martin Whiteside, who represents his party in alliance with Labour alongside the Liberal Democrats, agreed, saying that EU also helped protect the environment and worker’s rights.

The councillor for Thrupp said: “These are big issues like the protection of our planning system, and the animal welfare on our farms.

“We’ve had a positive influence in the EU on those things and we can be proud of that.”

However, Debbie Young, an anti-EU Conservative councillor for Chalford, argued that a Brexit vote would have no real noticeable effect on the district.

Stroud News and Journal:

“A Vote Leave will make no discernible difference to the lives of the people and businesses of Stroud,” she said.

“We import more from the EU than we export, so trade barriers will not be erected on June 24. We all travelled around Europe before we joined the EU, and will continue to do so.

“As the UK we can enter into trade agreements with our traditional trading partners and new economies. This will open up the country and district to the world not just limited to Europe.

“The people of Stroud District have always been ready to try something new, to challenge the perceived orthodoxy, and not be frightened to do so.

"June 23 is a chance for them to make a difference.”

-----------------------------

  • The European Structural and Investment Funds programme provides funds to help local areas grow. The funds support investment in innovation, businesses, skills and employment and create jobs.

Running from 2014 to 2020, there are three types of funds involved in the programme:

European Social Fund (ESF) focuses on improving the employment opportunities, promoting social inclusion and investing in skills by providing help people need to fulfil their potential.

European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) supports research and innovation, small to medium sized enterprises and creation of a low carbon economy.

European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) supports rural businesses to grow and expand, improve knowledge and skills and get started. Read information and access documents on this fund here.