UK EUROPEAN MEMBERSHIP - We don't want to be part of a United Europe governed by a socialist unelected junta from Brussels. Put the business case to one side, this is about democracy, liberty and self governance. I would rather be a little bit poorer now but in charge of my own destiny, than ruled by a socialist political elite which will in time become even more corrupt than now and make me much poorer in the long run. If the rest of Europe want to unite under a Brussels government then let them, but we don't want it. I suspect if other countries were ever given a vote, they would not want it either. But surprise, surprise, the unelected elites don't like elections because they get the wrong answer to their ever closer union. The business leaders quoted should know better than to neglect democracy for the sake of profits....
Whilst the economic benefits of membership may, or may not be, overwhelming, (and Lord Lawson, Denis Healey and others have already questioned whether the economic benefits are as great as made out), that is not the issue. The issue is that there are a number of fundamental problems with the eurozone and the EU itself which are precipitating the continent into potential conflict. Firstly, as is apparent from Greece, Cyprus, Spain, Italy and Portugal, not a single person in those countries has a vote to change let alone influence policy being directed by Brussels. This democratic deficit in a time when the Euro-"elite" are pushing a solitary austerity agenda, without regard to the consequences of those policies not just on families and communities but half the continent, is fanning the flames of extreme nationalism in those countries. Until such time as the people of Europe get a vote to get rid of the idiots in charge in Brussels, we should have nothing to do with it. Secondly, even if the policy of "internal devaluation" is successful, that will mean a worker in those countries will have to work harder and longer for a Euro than a worker, say, in Germany. So the exodus of the youth from those countries will accelerate and some will go within the Union to areas where there is work. This will drive down wages in the destination countries and will ignite talk of "jonny foreigner taking our jobs" that we've heard incessantly here. How well that will play in Germany is anyone's guess. Thirdly, the accounts of the EU haven't been signed off by their auditors for, I believe, something like 10 years due to fraud and misappropriation of funds. Finally, and most importantly, if the eurozone members are successful in driving through a Federal State (without obtaining specific consent for this from the individual national electorates), what impact is that going to have upon the operation of the EU? Currently, we have 27 nations, some with greater weight than others. With a Federal State of 17 nations, that bloc will outvote and outweigh all the other members. Policy (as the SNP seems to argue) will be set to the agenda of the bigger constituent. Ergo, the UK and all the other non-eurozone members will be outvoted on every measure, and what guarantees are there going to be to protect those countries from such policy focus? Given the EU's declaration of economic war against the City of London with the FTT (stealing money that would otherwise go to the UK Exchequer from the City), capping bonuses (bureaucracy gone mad and aimed directly at the City), with seemingly precious little the UK can do about it, it does not augur well for future protection. I remain unconvinced about the economic benefits of membership. The EU will want access to our market. But is the EU necessarily the dynamic growth zone for the future? It doesn't look like it. However, the risk of extreme nationalism arising from the current policies and the utter devastation being wrought across half a continent to "save" the Euro is not a price worth paying to secure economic benefits. We should be leading Europe away from the precipice towards which its bureaucrats appear determined to push it. Clearly this isn't happening at present, so its time to leave. Not, as some would suggest, to a Norwegian or Swiss style semi-detached model, but complete detachment. And the sooner the better.
3 comments:
The German left used to have a corner on the market when it came to progressive social issues. But Chancellor Merkel has transformed the conservatives, attracting huge quantities of women voters along the way. They've become a hot political commodity in this year's upcoming election, with the opposition struggling to catch up.
Wealthy businesspeople shift millions of euros abroad while profitable companies use accounting tricks to minimize their taxable earnings and assets. The EU finally wants to create effective policies to curb these practices, but faces strong opposition from member states.
EU Leaders to Sidestep Lisbon Treaty Rule
Commission Reduction: EU Leaders to Sidestep Lisbon Treaty Rule
The Lisbon Treaty clearly intends for the size of the European Commission to be reduced below its present size of 27 members. But EU leaders have reached unanimous agreement to sidestep the provision -- and even plan to add a seat to the table for the Croatians.
Post a Comment