Letter from Monica Harding, MP for Esher and Walton, about the relationship between the UK and the EU.

Please find below a reply from our Lib Dem MP Monica Harding in response to a request from Debra Kelly, Chair of Esher and Walton Branch of the EM, to attend a parliamentary debate on the UK's trading relationship with the EU and secured by Andrew Lewin (Labour MP for Welwyn Hatfield), Chair of the UK Trade and Business Commission which took place in Westminster Hall on 24th April 2025. This Commission was set up by the think tank 'Best for Britain'

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Dear Debra,

Thank you for getting in touch about the Westminster Hall debate on EU membership.

Whilst I was unfortunately unable to attend this particular debate, I do agree with you that this is a pressing issue.

We need to fix this country’s broken relationship with the European Union, to strengthen our trading relationship, and get ourselves back on the road to the Customs Union, because the current deal is not working.

It is time for a pragmatic relationship with our closest neighbours and our largest trading partner, one which works for British businesses, consumers, families and keeps our people secure. As residents struggle with the cost of living, the Government must make it easier for small businesses, the fishing industry and farmers to sell their goods abroad. Instead, we’re tangled in red tape. As the world becomes ever more unstable we must work more closely with our European allies on defence and security, and on our progress towards net zero and economic fairness.

On trade, Trump’s tariffs make it even more urgent for the Government to negotiate a better trade deal with our European neighbours, with the aim of a new customs union by 2030, as the Liberal Democrats have been calling for. This will create new trading opportunities for UK businesses and is the best way to strengthen our economy in the face of Trump’s trade war.

The UK should also be rebuilding confidence through seeking to agree partnerships or associations with EU agencies and programmes such as the European Aviation Safety Agency, Erasmus Plus, scientific programmes, climate and environment initiatives, and cooperation on defence, security and crime.

Another starting point for a closer relationship with Europe would be a youth mobility scheme, to give young people the freedom to travel and work across Europe.

All these measures would help to restore the British economy and the prosperity and opportunities of citizens, and are also essential steps on the road to EU membership, which remains our longer-term objective.

The Liberal Democrats are the most pro-European of the big parties in parliament and I believe Britain’s future lies at the heart of Europe. Strengthening and deepening that relationship is something I will be working on in this parliament. I hope this addresses your concerns, and thank you again for writing to me. If you would like to receive my newsletter sharing updates on my work in Parliament on this issue and others, you can sign up here.

Best wishes,

Monica HardingMember of Parliament for Esher and Walton