‘EU stop burying your head in the sand!’ Outgoing MEP gives harsh warning to the EU
AN OUTGOING British MEP has given a stark warning to the EU as the British representatives prepare to leave the bloc on January 31.
Brexit: Richard Tice makes final trip to Brussels as MEP
Writing in Politico, Magid Magid, a Green MEP and former mayor of Sheffield urged the European Union to examine their practices. Mr Magid first spoke about his role when he was elected as a Green Party MEP for Yorkshire and Humber in 2019. Recounting on this period, he said: “Much to the chagrin of some - but to the profound appreciation of many others - I was critical of the culture and conventions of the European Union, its legislators and leading officials, even as a proud Europhile and advocate for the United Kingdom to remain in the EU.”
However, whilst Mr Magid stated he still has “belief” in the EU as an entity he warns that things must change within the bloc, saying: "I want to urge those remaining in the EU: Use this as a wake-up call, and stop burying your heads in the sand...
"...While I praise the fundamental, foundational goals of the EU, I don’t accept that its present setup is conducive to achieving them.
“For a truly cohesive, thriving Europe, for a Union true to its purpose, for Continent at the forefront of just, sustainable human progress, there must be a more equitable distribution of prosperity between its member countries, and an even-handed sharing of burdens of all kinds.”
Mr Majid claimed that the causes he often tried to champion were frequently shut down by the European Parliament.
Speaking of a time when he tried to highlight child refugees suffering in Europe, Mr Majid asserted that the vice president of the discussion instead chose to focus on the clothing he was wearing.
He added: “The time for minced words, mild manners and tedious tinkering over a system doomed to fail, is over. I call on the EU to make real changes.”
Mr Majid has outlined his plans to tackle the EU from outside of the bloc.
READ MORE: Brexit is happening! Senior MEPs give green light to Boris' deal
He states he will be writing to the College of Commissioners, to petition them to address the growing issue of what he describes as “anti-Muslim racism”.
Also put forward within his piece is an entreatment for the EU to deliver on a pledge made to resettle 50,000 migrants.
Mr Majid speaks of the EU Commission plan released in September 2017 to bring at least 50,000 asylum seekers into Europe.
DON'T MISS:
WATCH moment EU chief thanks all British MEPs to standing ovation [VIDEO]
EU Parliament investigates MEPs sent gifts by Vietnamese diplomats [SHOCK]
'EU can't play hardball forever' Tory MEP's hope for last-minute deal [INSIGHT]
Former EU Commission Vice-President, Federica Mogherini, said at the time: “It is about managing one of the most complex, structural phenomena of our times, not a temporary emergency.”
The plan was due to last two-years, but its predecessor plan only delivered less than a fifth of the 160,000 refugees originally promised.
Finally, Mr Majid said, the issue of climate change must be addressed by the EU.
He said: “Whether we like it or not…we are the first generation armed with the knowledge that human action is propelling life on our planet towards the brink of collapse…
“…While a European Green Deal holds tremendous hope and promise, it does not go nearly far enough.”
The European Green Deal plans to make Europe the world’s first climate-neutral continent by 2050.
It has seen funds invested into green technologies, sustainable solutions and new businesses, in an effort for the Green Deal to become “a new EU growth strategy.”
Overall, though, Mr Majid has reflected positively on his experience as an MEP.
He concluded: “I’m grateful for my time in Brussels. I’ve learned a lot, and I’ve given all I had to give.
“Over to you, Europe.”
British MEPs have been packing up their offices in preparation to exit the European Parliament over the last month.
Speaking on the exit, Jake Pugh, Brexit Party MEP for Yorkshire and Humber, Mr Majid’s constituency, said: “We are delighted. We were hired to be fired.”
The UK’s vacated seats are to be spread out amongst the remaining 27 member states.