Why we must stay within the European framework

Phil Jones,Director and Vice-President of Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce had coffee with an MEP whom he doesn't name but who convinced Phil of the need to stay at the heart of Europe

1) That the EU parliament is inextricably linked to our future and we must be in it to win it.

2) Moving away from the EU in an increasingly globalised world is not a good thing to do, regardless of what political party you vote for (with some exceptions obviously).

3) That human beings run the parliament and a hardcore of around 50% of the longstanding MEP's do the bulk of the real work.

4) That any backlash by voters against the UK government in the EU elections isn't a good thing, that's what the general election is for.

5) That not all politicians are corrupt expense swindling chancers.