The need for a UK referendum on our membership of the EU is overwhelming. The last time the electorate voted on our participation in the EU was over 40 years ago and since then the scope and impact of the EU has vastly changed and increased. For democratic reasons alone we need this referendum. The Conservatives should be congratulated for giving one. Labour get no credit for now supporting one (because that is just cynical political expediency) and the Liberals have got what they deserve for blocking a referendum in coalition.
The Conservative government position seems entirely logical.
We could have an in out referendum tomorrow but the Conservative government is correctly not indifferent to the outcome. There are many benefits to being in the EU - the principle one is it facilitates a "common market". We do not want to give up this advantage unless we have to.
However it is a widely held view that there are aspects of the EU that are not working, there are the prospects of further integration that might not suit us, there are things we do not like, some want sovereignty back in some areas that have been devolved (or assumed), some want to change the extent welfare can claimed by migrants and some want better control of our borders etc.
Mr Cameron wants a chance to negotiate away or secure exemptions from the things that the mainstream Conservatives do not like or feel suit us. (some Conservatives want more - some like UKIP seem to want out regardless of renegotiation). He wants 18 months or so to work on this. He may or may not be successful but he is going to try and make a yes vote more appealing to those with reservations about the benefits in the round of UK membership. This is not unreasonable - was in the Tory manifesto - and he therefore has an electoral mandate to do it. As far as I know all Conservative MP's are supportive of this strategy.
It then seems obvious that when the negotiations are run and we know is what is on the table - there is a free vote on yes to stay in - no to pull out. This will happen in 2017 - (although it would be so much better if it could be before because it does create market uncertainty and cannot therefore be good for business and trade.) Campaigning should not be a party political matter. I see nothing wrong - in fact it is highly desirable for every individual - including government ministers - to make up their own minds and campaign accordingly. The outcome has to be fully democratic and a good clean debate - otherwise the issue will remain divisive for years.
For what it is worth I am at this stage a floating voter as I suspect the vast majority are. I want to vote yes but today I am pretty sure I would vote no. (especially as a yes vote would give the EU the mandate to run ahead with the European project unfettered and I definitely do not want that).
If the other EU members do not respond reasonably to Cameron there is every prospect of the UK ultimately leaving. Everyone will lose from that including the EU. Are you listening Mr Hollande!
No comments:
Post a Comment