Saying the same thing in London and in Brussels
Monday, May 18th, 2009 | This post was written by Michael LynasPolitics has been the loser in the last week. I do not just mean that our democratic system is debased in the eyes of the electorate. It is also the case that MP’s expenses have taken our focus away from our shaky economy and our many social ills. And as the European elections approach, discussions about European policy are practically non-existent.
Few will therefore have noticed the story that broke last week about the Conservatives’ potential partners in the European Parliament after the election. Sources have suggested that our new allies may include the Czech Civic Democrats, Poland’s Law and Justice Party and the Latvian For Fatherland and Freedom.
Nick Cohen, in yesterday’s Observer, gives us a taster of what we can expect from our opponents if these reports are true. A long list of quotations from these parties and their representatives include the contentions that the election of Obama represented the “end of the civilisation of the white man”, “homosexuality will lead to the downfall of civilisation” and that “global warming is a false myth and every serious person and scientist says so”. If that wasn’t enough, Cohen goes on to report that MP’s from the Fatherland for Freedom party marched with Latvian SS veterans this year.
Before we get carried away, the Conservatives have not confirmed these reports. Last week, a Conservative spokesman said that we would be providing a voice for “a modern, open flexible Europe” and “we do not intend to comment on potential allies”. I believe in this flexible Europe, and I respect David Cameron’s straightforward assertion that “under my leadership, we wouldn’t say one thing in London and a different thing in Brussels”. As modern, liberal Conservatives we must hold David Cameron to this pledge.
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