We will need to be more focused and more united and concentrate energies on achieving the fairest referendum framework and most articulate and massive no vote. To the extent that this Congress is tainted with any smaller agenda will be the measure of our likely failure. For those wanting withdrawal from the EU there are many of organisations to join, for those supporting the EU but not the single currency there are plenty of organisations, for businesses big and small, for trade unions and campaign groups there are several reputable national organisations to join. But for all those who have as part of their programme opposition to the single currency, the Congress must become an increasingly active and vocal home. In my view this shows little awareness of how the unions work.
Big stars are figureheads for policies.
Small unions like my own, which form the majority of trade unions in Britain, often afford their members a greater say and democratic voice on big issues. Bad for Trade Unions launched today. I would encourage you not just to buy single copies on sale here, but to think about ways you could get some multiple copies for circulation amongst various workforces. We were right at the first Congress, the trade union movement is the main battleground for this issue. In fact, the European Commission and the ETUC have clearly recognised that winning the hearts and minds of the British trade union movement is the main political prize over the next two years.