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Minister for Europe, Jim Murphy MP, changes the debate on social policy in Europe

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE News Release issued by The Government News Network on 9 May 2008

Ahead of a seminar on 12 May on Social Policy and the EU, attended by business and trade unionists, Jim Murphy said:

"Europe has been and continues to be a success story. But the world is changing, and if the social aspects of Europe are to remain relevant, we need a contemporary UK sense of what social Europe is in the future.

"Traditionally, the argument has been about protectionist versus liberal markets. But that is becoming irrelevant and outdated; we need to go beyond that in the face of the unprecedented global change.

" We need to take into account the massive diversity of populations, and changing job markets. To me, a contemporary social Europe means green collar jobs, and more emphasis on skills and training. "

NOTES FOR EDITORS

1. On 12 May, Minister for Europe Jim Murphy MP will host a seminar discussion on "What is Social Europe? A UK perspective".

2. Senior participants from civil society, business and trade unions will consider what a social Europe looks like and how we can achieve it. Issues for debate will include: Do we believe Europe is more than a market? And how we can reform the EU budget to deliver a modern, social system?

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