Fog in Westminster, Europe Cut Off

The United Kingdom is now closer to ‘systematic semi-detachment’ from the European Union than any time since it became part of the European family in 1973, according to Peter Sutherland, the former European Commissioner and Director General of the World Trade Organisation. In a hard-hitting pamphlet just published by the Federal Trust, Fog in Westminister, Europe Cut Off, Mr Sutherland observes that nobody reviewing the European policy of New Labour over the past decade could fail to be struck by the contrast between the rhetoric and policies of 1997 and those 10 years later. He adds, ‘the continuity of European policy between New Labour and its predecessor in government has been remarkable.’

As he rightly states, ‘those who genuinely care about Britain’s continuing role in the European Union have much in the way of education and advocacy to do over the coming years.’ He goes on to argue that if Mr Brown and his colleagues in the new government wish to improve on the ‘ambiguous European legacy of the past’, then they need to work with individuals and groups within the United Kingdom ready and willing to undertake long-term work in opinion-forming. The European Movement and the Federal Trust itself spring to mind.

However, I’m sure I won’t be the only reader of the pamphlet who comes away thinking that maybe a quicker way to remedy the situation would be if all the millions of pro-Europeans in Britain voted Liberal Democrat, not least in the European elections in June next year!

Link: www.fedtrust.co.uk