Jan 17 2007

A new relationship with the EU for the UK

5 Responses to “A new relationship with the EU for the UK”

1. # Ken Adamson 17 Jan 2007 at 11:25 am

   I think Mr Redwood you are attempting to put the horse before the cart, first we should hold a referendum on staying in or leaving the EU, then the government would negotiate the various agreements with the EU.

   The important point is returning power and accountability to our lawmakers not on agreeing with several different international agreements out sovereign government would have the power to make for the benefit of the people of this country. The reasons for leaving the EU should not be conflated with landing rights at continental airports.

   I am not persuaded by the argument that to vote for a party which stands on the platform of leaving the EU is splitting the EUsceptic vote, the Conservatives do not offer us that option, for as long as we remain a member, our own parliament in Westminster is a charade, and it really does not matter which particular British political party has to follow the socialist EU line.

2. # Tonyon 17 Jan 2007 at 1:26 pm

   John, I think it is interesting that you propose a referendum on the result of a negotiated position with Europe. Would it not be more sensible to discover the wishes of the public before negotiating anything?

   If Britain negotiated a different relationship with the EU, but the public actually wanted complete withdrawal from the union, would it not be fair to say that the wishes of the British public were not being represented? Do you feel the Swiss relationship with the EU is an example of what can be achieved without giving up sovereignty?

   I believe we would still retain a strong position because we produce goods and services that people in EU states demand. If the Swiss can negotiate a position with the EU from outside its structures then we could too. But before negotiation of any type takes place I think it is essential for the government to obtain a mandate from the electorate through a referendum, asking whether we want to be in the EU, out of the EU, or in with repatriation of key powers. It is not politicians who should decide for the public, but the public who should instruct the politicians.

3. # Sam Tarranon 17 Jan 2007 at 5:24 pm

   I am an idealist, and would love a reformed Europe, or at least a newly renogiated relationship with the EU. However, if Tony Blair failed miserably even to get a solid guarantee on reform of the CAP, do you, Mr Redwood, believe that the Tories could do better to tackle a continent currently full of federalist leaders, “steaming … to destroy democracy”?

4. # Werner Patelson 22 Jan 2007 at 6:12 am

   I urge everyone to sign the Better Off Out petition (http://www.betteroffout.co.uk/)

5. # Christine Constableon 13 Feb 2007 at 10:50 am

   Majority voting will prevetn any change from taking place - as those in the “majority” naemly the left wing ex-Communist states who relish authoritarianism and have never really known or understood democracy will continue with the steamroller that is Europe. We have simply given up our freedom and English Liberal values for a new authoritarian state - o.k. maybe without a shot being fired but with the absolute treachery and irresponsibility of MPs from all three parties - herein lies the problem of trying to win over the public - trust in all politicians has disappeared - thanks to Heath and Major and now Blair…….

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