2016 March

Our contribution to Europe, a Europe of nations allied for 70 years since the last, catastrophic, European war, a Europe that struggles, moans, argues, compromises and eventually agrees, our contribution to our continent is an integral part of our economic and civic order, structure, rhythm and heartbeat, that keeps us alive and operative.   Untune that European string, and the domestic discord that consumes the Tory party will consume our country too.

Two thousand people last night filled the London Palladium, home of variety, song and dance since 1910, to debate the Britain’s future in or out of the European Union.    We got a bit of variety, a bit of a clown, a sparkle or two, but no-one was sawed in half.

The Guardian Live event showed that people care; the queue to get in went the length of Argyll Street; people of all ages were there.   The atmosphere, warmed up (the theatre was chilly) by a couple of stand-up comedians, was of a pantomime audience ready for a good night out.   Cheers and boos and laughter flowed around the theatre as Andrea Leadsom (Tory), Nick Clegg, (Lib Dem), Alan Johnson (Labour) and Nigel Farage (UKIP) knocked each other about.    Despite strong feelings on the platform, very few people changed their minds during the evening, according to a show of hands.

Alan Johnson made the best points in favour of remaining in the EU, on the 70 years of peace through grindingly long negotiations; the protections of employment law extended to the working people of 28 countries; the protection against crime and terrorism a joined-up approach to European policing provides.   Nick Clegg was the most passionate, and came over increasingly strongly as the evening progressed, particularly in response to Nigel Farage’s preposterous provocations.   Farage is professionally rude, as he is in the European parliament.   His interventions are not arguments, they are attacks, like a mini-Trump.   His outrageous hypocrisy, trumpeting against the EU while pocketing a generous salary and colossal benefits as an MEP, is one of the reasons why he has never won a seat in Westminster, despite trying for years.   I have never come across Andrea Leadsom, and her remark that there was no internecine war within the Conservative party was derided by all 2,00 in the audience.

It is extraordinary that we spend time in this debate, which has been conjured up by the Prime Minister to appease a fractious Tory back bench, when the real crisis in Europe – the refugees seeking safety and a better life and unemployment for a large number of young people in the southern states – is so huge that it will take years of doing the work to ease the pain.

See also European Union – five reasons to remain

Once again, the headlines focus on another catastrophe in the narrow sea between Turkey and the European Union.   People flee the war in Syria; they flee from the crumbling states in Afghanistan and Iraq; they flee from political and social trauma in Libya and sub-Saharan Africa.    They flee to Europe and underline each day the case for Britain to stay in the European Union.    They come because it works.

Five reasons for Britain to stay in the European Union:

1. Work to be done – the European Union is the largest single jobs market in the world.
2. The rule of law – across our continent are 28 countries that subscribe to a common system of justice for each citizen beneath an overarching legal concept of human rights.
3. Freedom of speech – we each have an acknowledged right to say, believe or argue whatever we choose.
4. Freedom of opportunity – we can choose to move freely throughout the European Union in search of work, inspiration, leisure.
5. Security – Europe has preserved 70 years of peace, by talking, compromising and sharing rather than fighting and killing.

Five reasons why Britain leaving the European Union (Brexit) would be wrong:

1. Free trade – we are members of the largest free trade zone in the world.  Brexit says we can make better trade agreements on our own.   Why start again and throw away all the influence we already have?
2. Safety – we are members of the two major defence alliances in the world – the EU and NATO.   Brexit says we would be safer out.    The US and all our other international partners encourage us to remain, to make more of our influence in the EU.
3. The protection of citizens – EU regulation valuably protects employment rights, human rights, health standards, the environment.    Brexit means these protections would be weaker in the UK, and to trade with the EU we would need to abide by the EU’s rules.   Why leave?
4. The City of London – one of the major global centres.  Brexit says leaving the EU would unshackle the City.   The City largely disagrees, not wishing to lose business to Frankfurt and Paris.   Global financial institutions urge us to stay.
5. Immigration – careful management of people coming to Britain improves our economy and our society.   Brexit says the present humanitarian catastrophe would be solved for Britain by tough border controls.   People are people, not numbers.   The wars will continue, people will move to seek a safe future.    We have a duty, across the European Union, to share.

Brexit makes no sense for the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.  And if we leave the EU, Scotland’s chief minister politely points this out that Scotland will plan to leave the UK, in order to remain a European nation.      The UK will crumble, forfeiting the opportunity to make a major contribution to the peace, security and prosperity of the continent of Europe – where the fortunes and the safety of our children and their children rest.

See also:  Peace, law and freedom of speech

Creative Structure has launched a new website for the actor and voiceover artist, Alexander Grant.

The simple site offers a showcase of the Actor’s work including showreel, voicereel, and gallery images. It also provides a full bio as well as a link through to Grant’s Spotlight profile, where casting directors can get in touch with creative talent.

“In today’s acting industry it’s important to have an online calling card that stands out against the competition,” said Grant. “From the outset, Creative Structure has offered shrewd and pragmatic advice on making the transition to digital, as well as a structured approach to marketing oneself in an increasingly noisy online world. Particularly in the creative industries, this level of professionalism and expertise is a huge asset to writers and actors.”

Last year Creative Structure also launched a new website for A Prayer, a play it produced for the Hen & Chickens theatre bar that received rave reviews amongst the theatre press. With experience in the literary and theatre sectors, as well as significant digital expertise, the company is helping individuals and companies to market their services within the creative industries.