COULD I direct my thought, first published in April 1975, at the time of the first Euro-Referendum, to readers who would claim to be sympathetic to the cause of the Labour Party and emphasise to them the urgency of the moment to reaffirm our democratic socialist belief and principals of solidarity with working men and women of all nations.

I joined the Labour Party in 1960, inspired by people who all their life had worked to achieve a quality of life for future generations; they were motivated not by self gain, but by the vision of universal health, education, housing and employment services, together with a quality of life where one was respected for the contribution made to the "common good"; not the family born into or the accent in which one spoke.

Sadly many did not live to see that, others lived to see significant steps towards those goals and yes at times we have taken some backward steps, but the vision remains and this generation's duty is as clear as it was in 1893 to the emerging "Independent Labour Party"; There is no weal — save common weal.

This is as true today and the essential premise faced by Socialists throughout Europe is the continuing struggle between those who control capital and those controlled by capital and the accountability of us all to act in a responsible and community minded manner.

Democratic Socialism is internationalist in its outlook or it is nothing and the whole history of the Labour Party is one of collective action with like minded political parties throughout Europe and the World beyond, we can not and must not turn our backs on our friends in Europe.

Robert Owen that great visionary of the Co-operative and Labour movements points the way on his grave stone: "It is the one great and universal interest of the human race to be cordially united and aid each other to the full extent of their capabilities"

In that spirit, I shall be voting to remain in and I invite any of a like mind to do the same.

Hon. Ald. Frank White JP

MP 1974-83

Bury& Radcliffe