A New Social Europe

Now is the time for Gordon Brown to restate Labour's commitment to a social Europe, argues former Blair adviser and Policy Network vice chair, Roger Liddle, in a freethinking paper for the Fabian Society.

If the EU is to be economically successful, politically sustainable and gain the legitimacy to be effective in the wider world, there must be a renewed focus on Europe's social mission.

Liddle argues that European member states face common social challenges that demand an effective response from the EU. But facing rising tides of left and right populism across Europe, it is unable to meet the challenge of shaping globalisation with social justice.

Political leaders across Europe must lend their support to a new social Europe.

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