Feature: MEPs largely behind UK staying in EU

The European Parliament (EP) largely expressed support for the UK remaining a member of the European Union (EU) in a plenary debate here on Wednesday.

The day after European Council President Donald Tusk proposed a deal with British Prime Minister David Cameron in response to Britain's demands for reforms, MEPs discussed the issue as part of a debate on the upcoming EU summit on February 18 to 19, which will be dedicated to the UK talks as well as the migration crisis.

Most MEPs expressed a strong wish for the UK to stay in the EU. The exceptions, not surprisingly, came from the right-wing Eurosceptic parties, notably the EFDD group, dominated by Nigel Farage's UK Independence Party (UKIP), and the Marine Le Pen-led Europe of Nations and Freedom (ENF) group.

During the debate, Dutch Foreign Affairs Minister Bert Koenders, representing the council, said: "It is of paramount importance that we continue our constructive dialogue to make the EU work better for both the UK and all other member states."

Jean-Claude Juncker, president of the European Commission (EC), welcomed Tusk's proposals. "The settlement that has been proposed is fair for the UK and fair for the other 27 member states, and also fair for the EP," he said, adding: "The UK benefits from more protocols and opt-outs than any other member state."

Syed Kamall, leader of the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group, which was set up by David Cameron, said the Tusk proposals were "a good place to start", but that the UK would only benefit by "a full and frank referendum debate that ensures all sides are heard."

Kamall added there was "a massive gap in perception" between many in the EU institutions who believe in deeper political integration in Europe and the people of Britain.

"Unless this gap in perceptions is resolved, the UK would continue to have an ambiguous relationship with the EU," he commented.

Of the four main pillars of the Tusk document -- mutual respect between eurozone and non-eurozone countries, a more competitive EU, exemption for some countries from closer union, and freedom of movement to work -- Kamall said it was hard to see how these were just British questions. "These are matters that should benefit all EU countries," he stated.

Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats leader Gianni Pittella said that between the EU's migration crisis and the UK referendum, there was "a great risk of the disintegration of Europe."

It was time, he said, for EU leaders to help overcome fear in the minds of Europe's citizens and turn these threats into an opportunity "to relaunch and rebuild a common European project."

"We are confident that the negotiations will be fruitful in achieving our major goal: to keep the UK in the EU," he said. "We should not be afraid to say to the British people that the advantages of being an EU member far outweigh the disadvantages."

"This is particularly true for British workers and for the least well-off members of society," he added. "Our message is simple and clear: we want a strong UK in a stronger EU."

However, Farage said Cameron's renegotiation began with ambitious intentions but, "what we got is a letter from Mr. Tusk in which there is no Treaty change, no powers returned to the UK, no control over our borders. It's really rather pathetic."

But for some MEPs, an 'out vote' in the UK referendum would also pose an existential threat to the UK itself.

Nationalist MEPs from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland all warned that they would not accept a Brexit if a majority of voters within their countries voted to stay in the EU.

Plaid Cymru (Welsh Nationalist) MEP Jill Evans said EU membership had brought positive economic, social and cultural benefits to Wales.

"There is a great deal about the EU I would like to change," she said. "But we can only do that by working with our European partners to improve policy and make the EU more effective and more responsive. We are far better off working for change from within than shouting from the sidelines."

"My party is committed to remaining in the EU and I believe the majority of people in Wales want that too," she stated. "And if Wales votes to remain in, we should not be dragged out against our democratic will. That is why we have called for a mandate to leave only if (all the UK countries) agree to leave."

While Irish Nationalist MEP Martina Anderson said Northern Ireland's place is within Europe, adding "We hope that an English vote does not result in Northern Ireland being taken out." Endit