Jeremy
Corbyn works with European socialist parties in government to lobby for rights
of British people in EU and EU citizens in the UK.

Jeremy
Corbyn, Leader of the Labour Party, is coordinating EU-wide efforts by socialist
parties to protect the rights of UK citizens living in the EU and EU citizens
living in the UK.

Today,
Jeremy has written to leaders of seven European socialist parties, allied to
Labour and in government, to lobby, at every level of the EU, for the rights of
British citizens abroad and to reaffirm Labour’s commitment to the rights of EU
residents in the UK.

The
letters follow discussions Jeremy Corbyn initiated at a Party of European
Socialists conference that Labour hosted in London last week.

With the
British government likely to trigger Article 50 in the coming weeks and
negotiations around Britain’s future relationship with the EU about to begin,
millions of people across the EU are uncertain and fearful about what the
future holds for them. 

In the
letters, he appeals to the “common voice” of socialist parties across
Europe to help guarantee the rights of “around 3 million EU Citizens,
living, working and contributing greatly in our societies” and “an
estimated 1.5 million British people living in different parts of the European
mainland.”

Theresa
May has resisted Labour calls for the government to act unilaterally to
guarantee the rights of EU citizens in the UK. It currently looks likely to
take the issue of rights for EU migrants in the UK and British migrants in the
EU into what could be a difficult and unpredictable period of negotiations.

Corbyn
states this is the reason he is writing “as a friend and sister party
colleague” asking “for you and your government to work formally with
other socialist colleagues in the EU council and insist that the current rights
of both EU and British citizens are guaranteed and insist this decision is the
first to be made once Article 50 is triggered.”

“As
socialist parties, we all agree that we must work together to make sure the
basic values we share are fully represented in a final agreement between
Britain and the EU. Therefore I see no better way to start by making this issue
a key priority for us in the coming months, we cannot allow our citizens, our
neighbours and our friends be subject to further uncertainty or be used as a
bargaining chip.”

“We
as socialists must stand up for the rights of everybody and I am confident this
can be done through the Brexit process and beyond, if we stay true to our
beliefs and work together.

Ends

Following is the transcript of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2017: Curtain Raiser Briefing (January 2, 2017)

Official Spokesperson, Shri Vikas Swarup: Good evening friends and welcome to the first press briefing of 2017. Let me take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you a very happy and peaceful 2017.

China on Wednesday released its strategy on cyberspace cooperation.

The International Strategy of Cooperation on Cyberspace is the first China has released regarding the virtual domain.

The aim of the strategy — jointly building a community of shared future in cyberspace — illustrates China’s approach to cyberspace cooperation. Notably one that is based on peace, sovereignty, shared governance and shared benefits.

The strategic goals of China’s participation in international cyberspace cooperation are: the safeguarding of China’s sovereignty, security and development interests in cyberspace; the secure and orderly flow of information on the Internet; improved global connectivity; maintaining of peace, security and stability in cyberspace; enhancement of international rule of law in cyberspace; the promotion of the global development of the digital economy; and deepening cultural exchange and mutual learning, according to the strategy.

China’s plan of action includes promoting the building of rule-based order in cyberspace, expanding partnership with other countries, boosting institutional reform in Internet governance, jointly combating cyber terrorism and crimes, and protecting individual privacy in cyberspace.

China supports Internet-based innovation and entrepreneurship, and is committed to assisting developing countries with cyber security capacity building, it said.

The country supports the formulation of cyberspace trade rules and effective policy coordination among countries, said the strategy.

China will work with other countries to strengthen global information infrastructure to facilitate the smooth flow of information, and facilitate cyber culture cooperation among countries, according to the strategy.

With the animation, comic and games industry as a priority area, China will carry out practical cooperation with countries along the Belt and Road, encourage Chinese enterprises to provide online cultural products and services catered to local needs based on local cultural resources, said the strategy.

The strategy was issued by the Foreign Ministry and State Internet Information Office.

Minister for Exiting the European Union Robin Walker, Foreign Office Minister Sir Alan Duncan and International Trade Minister Lord Price today (1 March) hosted the second Joint Ministerial Council (Gibraltar EU Negotiations) to discuss Gibraltar’s priorities as we prepare to exit the European Union.

Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory with a population of over 32,000. In 2015/16, its GDP was forecast to be £1.77bn. Its main industries are tourism, financial services, online gaming, shipping and construction.

The discussions today centred around the opportunities and challenges in areas such as trade and market access, with ministers in agreement that we must ensure Gibraltar’s interests are taken into account.

Speaking after the meeting, Minister for Exiting the European Union Robin Walker said:

We recognise that Gibraltar has particular interests, and that is why this dedicated forum is vital. It gives us the opportunity to discuss Gibraltar’s priorities and ensure their interests are taken into account.

We have had a useful and informative discussion today and I will continue to engage with Gibraltar throughout the negotiations, as we forge a new relationship with the EU and look outward into the world. As the Lords’ report today has recognised, the UK has a responsibility to represent Gibraltar in these negotiations and we will do so better informed as a result of this process.

Minister for Europe Sir Alan Duncan said:

UK is steadfast in our support for Gibraltar, its people and its economy. As the UK leaves the EU, we are making sure we understand the priorities of Overseas Territories, including Gibraltar, so that the new relationship with the EU works for all. The JMC, and the useful discussion today, is a key part of that dialogue.

International Trade Minister Lord Price said:

The UK is banging the drum for British businesses across a range of international markets and we are committed to taking the needs of Gibraltar and other Overseas Territories into account during this process.

That’s why I was pleased to be part of today’s meeting to discuss the place of Gibraltar in the global trade agenda. This forum provides a welcome opportunity to hear from Gibraltar on their priorities and ensure we’re working together as we look towards our future as a global leader on free trade.

As the UK leaves the EU, the government will ensure the priorities of the Overseas Territories, including Gibraltar, and the Crown Dependencies are understood through a range of engagements. These will continue after we trigger Article 50 and begin the process of exit later this month.