Catherine Stihler

Member of the European Parliament first elected 1999

Labours Internationalism

The strength of the Labour Party is it is truly an internationalist party. No matter where we go in the world we can find people who share the same views and values as we do.

Fife has always had international connections. Our own Hungarian Saint Margaret; Polish solders and miners who came to Fife in the second world war; the 16th century trade with the Netherlands and our first continental ferry to Zeebrugge. Helped by European cooperation on a freight facility grant.

Having an international perspective makes Labour in Fife outward looking and inclusive of people who are seen as different. This is one of our key strengths as a party and a movement. Now we see Labour leading on the “Making Poverty History” campaign, helping the poorest in our world.

Labour’s internationalism means that in this interconnected world we recognise that we have responsibilities in our local and global communities.