Conservatives in the European Parliament. The European single market, pioneered by British Conservatives in the 1980s, stands as an example to the world of what can be done to remove barriers to trade and to encourage competition. As a result of this programme, Europe s consumers benefit from wider choice at more competitive prices, and better quality goods and services. But there is still much more to be done to create a proper Europe for Consumers . The Conservative Approach In the 1980s, by promoting the single market, Conservatives showed just what could be achieved to improve the standard of living of Europe s consumers, and the strength of our commitment to being in Europe.
Further work is needed to create true freedom of movement across Europe for both goods and people.
Promoting the Single Market in Europe We will press for more to be done to complete the single market, promoting competition and helping residents to trade and shop throughout Europe. We want to create a freer market with less regulation. In particular we want more to be done to open up the market in electronic commerce and financial services. This will, for example, offer financial institutions and customers the possibility of shopping round Europe for retail financial services. We also believe it is important to tackle the continuing problem of anti-competitive price differentials across Europe.