There is an overwhelming national consensus that, over 30 years, our membership has been profoundly beneficial in all sorts of ways. In the course of this debate I am sure that Members of the House will bring their own particular perspectives to the story of our experience in Europe, but the headlines are clear and beyond doubt. European Union membership has been essential to our economic progress. The direct financial support we have received, and continue to receive, from Structural and Cohesion Funds has been a key factor in the development of our infrastructure, the promotion of industry, the training of young people and the building of an environment we can all enjoy. The Common Agricultural Policy has been crucial in developing our farming sector and in sustaining rural communities. Through our membership of the European Union we have seen higher standards across the board, including areas like environmental protection, workplace health, safety, protection, promotion of equal rights, women's rights and workers' rights.