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 No. 5    The European Union

   We joined the Common Market to participate in a Free Trade Zone.   We didn’t join to become a member of the United States of Europe.

    The “No” votes of the French and Dutch electorate were not a vote against their governments but a clear statement that a United States of Europe is not wanted by the general population in Europe.  It is very clear that if a Referendum was held in the UK the result would be exactly the same.

   There are two separate camps, even within each country, some envisaging a United States of Europe and others a more loosely integrated  Commonwealth of European States.  It is unacceptable that Brussels issues so many edicts which effectively are taking away powers from individual countries governments.   In an organisation consisting of rich and poor countries with enormous variations, it is essential that there is some flexibility in the take-up of decisions reached in the European Parliament.  One size fits all is not the answer and until all governments recognise the need for restructuring of the rules governing the Union there will never be full acceptance by the people.

   There are many ways that the Union can be effective for all including a common  European Defence Force, with manpower provided from all 25 countries within the Union.  The Cold War was over when the Berlin Wall was dismantled and there is no justification for the continuance of  the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.  In this 21st century we need to wean ourselves away from dependence on the United States.  That country has extended itself globally since the WWII to the extent that it is having serious consequences to their own economy.  We must prepare ourselves to be less dependent on the USA.  We will always be grateful to the United States for the support they have given to Europe post-1945 and will continue to have close links, both politically and economically, both in the technical and entertainment spheres.

   Because the Union needs to be a Commonwealth of Countries it is not appropriate to have a President or Foreign secretary.  Dealings with other countries outside the European Union should be conducted through the United Nations.  Matters directly effecting the 25 should continue to be debated in Brussels, including control on trade, in particular any tariffs that might be necessary in order to protect European industries and full employment  If controls on imports are not implemented, and some countries ignore edicts from Brussels then the entire European Union concept will become a free-for-all which would undermine the stability of the organisation.  There needs to be special arrangements for agricultural produce from African countries to guarantee prices.  (This would only apply to agriculture)   The effect of this would be to enable those countries to plan for the future and, at the same time ensure that their development is by their own hands, rather than aid which often is misused.

Excerpt from original Article - pre- 12th June (edited)

   The present Constitution that the Prime Minister has been dealing with appears to be leading further and further towards that situation (United States of Europe).   Due to directives from Brussels we have created numerous mountains which are increasing our costs considerably.   Our fishing industry has been decimated due to directives from Brussels, yet Spanish fishing trawlers land their catches on our shores.   It would seem that we have more control from the European Parliament than the individual states of the U.S.A. from Washington.   Fourteen of those still have the death penalty.   Would that be allowed to continue if under the auspices of Brussels  ?
 
    It is time that the MEPs worked closely together to represent their country rather than their individual parties.   It is intolerable that land-locked countries within the European Union can vote on individual countries internal administration, in particular our fishing industry and disposal of waste.    Each country has a different problem due to terrain and geography.    It is neither practical or acceptable that we are obliged to follow edicts that don’t take these differences into account.    It is vital that our MEPs start to think UK Ltd rather than Party allegiances.   

     It is also vital that the Greens take an overall view which recognises the need for employment and consequent infrastructure developments in order to attract industry to areas with high unemployment.

     Compromise is an absolute priority if UK Ltd is to take a fair share of the spoils in our enlarged community.