Former MPs Dominic Grieve and Caroline Lucas have been unveiled as the new co-presidents of European Movement UK.
The European Movement, founded in 1949 by Sir Winston Churchill, is a cross-party, single-issue organisation, the mission of which is to highlight the “damaging impacts of Britain’s decision to leave the European Union.”
Caroline Lucas became the UK’s first Green Member of Parliament at the 2010 general election and represented Brighton Pavilion in the commons until 2024, when she stood down as an MP.
The former Green Party of England and Wales leader has been Vice President of European Movement UK since 2022.
Lucas said her appointment as European Movement UK co-president is an “honour” and vowed to fight to build “a closer, stronger relationship with Europe to drive meaningful change.”
Dominic Grieve, a former Conservative MP, served as shadow home secretary from 2008 to 2009 and Attorney General for England and Wales from 2010 to 2014. The ex-MP for Beaconsfield has been Vice President of European Movement UK since 2023.
Commenting on his appointment, Grieve said he will work alongside Lucas, who sits at the other end of the political spectrum, to “put the UK back at the heart of Europe.”
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Lord Heseltine, who is stepping down as president but will continue as a patron, said: “The return of Donald Trump to the White House, Labour’s proposed ‘reset’ in UK-EU relations, and the UK’s urgent need for economic growth underscore the importance of strengthening cooperation with our European partners.
“With over 23,000 members, a powerful grassroots network, and strong connections across the political landscape, European Movement UKs uniquely positioned to drive this agenda forward, delivering tangible benefits for people and businesses across the UK.”
Caroline Lucas said: “It’s a huge honour to have been appointed as Co-President of the European Movement, especially at such a pivotal time. The prospect of Donald Trump in the White House should focus minds on the importance of being guided by our values, and on urgently rebuilding our relationship with the EU as the best way to ensure economic, security and climate resilience.
“This is a fight for our planet, for fairness, and for future generations. The European Movement UK is a dynamic cross-party force, and Dominic Grieve and I are committed to building a closer, stronger relationship with Europe to drive meaningful change.”
Dominic Grieve said: “In an era where global challenges continue to multiply — from continued Russian aggression in Ukraine to the resurgence of authoritarianism — the United Kingdom’s relationship with Europe is more crucial than ever.
“We must strengthen cooperation to bolster our collective security, drive economic prosperity, and uphold the rule of law. A closer, more effective partnership with the EU is the only way to safeguard our shared values and protect our way of life.
“As Co-Presidents of European Movement UK, Caroline Lucas and I will be proudly working to put the UK back at the heart of Europe.”
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