Just to throw in a bit of policy, yesterday I watched William Hague's speech to the conference hall which focused very much on Europe and a referendum. Crucially, if you read the papers this morning, then you'll see that a commitment has been made to amend the original act that took us into what was the EEC so that any further transfer of powers in treaties must be put to referendum.
This is virtuially identical to how the law works in Ireland, and from a pure sovereignty point of view it's actually surprising that a pledge for such a provision has been so long coming. It's quite an astute political move too because it compresses the european question into simple terms. Of course there will always be calls for powers already gone to be returned, but the first step for Britian to redraw how it works with the EU is to put in place mechanisms that ensure no further changes can occur without a proper democratic authority from the people.
There's no doubt the EU is a significant political issue, but it's not really the single issue most non-politicos care about. Some might argue that they should care, but it doesn't change the fact that they don't. To offer therefore a policy on Europe that is simple to understand and will make more people aware of the arguments when they occur after treaty negotiations is surely a good thing? It's also an excellent expression of what a conservative approach to change is all about.
6 comments:
"so that any further transfer of powers in treaties must be put to referendum."
Does this mean we will not be getting the present referendum vote that the Conservatives keep urging Brown to hold, from a future Conservative government?
Yes. good stuff, but might the horse have bolted by then? According to some (I mean many), the Reform Treaty is, so to say, 'self-amending', and would be the last-ever Treaty, effectively. Absolutely indispensable to stop it going through, as well as pursuing Hague's new policy.
Dizzy, you write:
"There's no doubt the EU is a significant political issue, but it's not really the single issue most non-politicos care about. Some might argue that they should care, but it doesn't change the fact that they don't."
And some might argue that this is where 'Leadership' should kick in.
Others might argue that 'Followership' (focus groups, PR, and the attendant spivery) is, as they would probably parrot, "the way forward".
You pays your money and......
I'm astounded by this. A good idea, AND from a politician. I wish I knew how he kept his brains warm.
Anon, that really is a pathetically stupid comment
Is there any chance of UKIP running a 'vote for the Conservatives' election campaign?
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