Today marks 7 years since a fatal day in our nation’s history.
Recently, I moved to Chard - a small market town in rural Somerset.
As today is the anniversary of the referendum, I’m going to highlight 7 ways the European Union has contributed to this town of 13,000
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Firstly, you’ve got the recently developed Chard Enterprise Centre - a state of the art facility for small businesses to operate from.
Only possible thanks to over £1,000,000 from the European Regional Development Fund.
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Businesses need high speed internet connections in order to operate these days. Households also benefit from stronger Wi-Fi.
Connecting Somerset was awarded grants from the European Social Fund, helping upgrade broadband infrastructure in Chard.
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Chard Community Hospital provides invaluable care for local residents.
At one point, 16 EU citizens worked at this facility to look after 13 beds.
Our NHS needs fellow European staff members to survive.
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At one end of Chard you’ve got P M B L limited.
This company received over £200,000 in funding for research projects. All courtesy of the European Union.
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Numatic International. Home of the Henry vacuum cleaner.
This site is a major employer in Chard and 40% of the goods it produces are exported.
Previously they could trade freely with 27 of our nearest neighbours. Now it’s delays at ports and red tape at customs.
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Jobs are crucial for rural towns like Chard.
The Somerset Market Towns Employment project received money from the European Social Fund, covering 70% of their costs.
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Chard is very proud of its links to farming. Previously our farmers had access to the European agricultural fund for rural development and also the single market.
Now they face Brexit bureaucracy and dodgy trade deals which threaten their industry.
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So there you have it… 7 ways the EU has benefited one tiny part of the UK.
We’re all better off rejoining, working hand in hand with our neighbours and accessing free trade.
Our future is in Europe. 🇬🇧🤝🇪🇺
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