October 19, 2007
The band is playing Lady in Red and the chairs are being stacked on the tables...
EU Referendum: The last British government
There is still some argument about the precise date on which it happened. Some assert that it was 18 October 2007, when prime minister Brown agreed in principle to what became known as the "Lisbon Treaty" – once the pretence that it was a "reform" treaty was no longer necessary.
Others suggest that it was the following day, when Brown initialled the communiqué giving his assent to the treaty, following down the path set for him on 18 June 2007 when his predecessor, Mr Tony Blair, agreed on the "mandate" which led to the treaty.
Some declare that it was on the day in December when Brown formally signed the new treaty and still others maintain that it took effect from the day when the amendment to the European Communities Act was given Royal Assent, placing the treaty formally on the statute book of the United Kingdom and thus embedding it as part of its constitution.
But, to a man – and the occasional woman – all agree that, whatever day it was, it was the last time the once-proud nation which called itself the United Kingdom had its own independent government. Mr Brown was the last prime minister of the last British government.
Of course the dancing will continue for a bit longer before they grab a taxi to his place and she takes up the offer of "coffee", no one likes a girl who appears to be too easy....
Battle of the EU treaty to last for months - Times Online
The Prime Minister briefed his Cabinet colleagues on Tuesday to expect another protracted tussle on the latest treaty, starting in the new year and continuing well into the spring, The Times has learnt.
He told them that months of detailed examination will dampen Eurosceptics’ opposition while demonstrating that the document is too complex to be decided by referendum.
The reform treaty was agreed by leaders of the 27 EU nations after talks that stretched through their summit dinner.
Damn, that must be too complicated for voters, I mean it they had to even talk it about it at the dinner table before they could sign, the sacrifices these wise men make for us, we should be grateful.
Posted by The Englishman at 6:52 AM
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August 17, 2005
Mais Oui!
Maurice Druon, an author, ex-culture minister and grandee of the Acadmie Franaise, holder of an honorary knighthood for services to Anglo-French relations, said: "What Britain and Europe want of the EU is quite different. You want an open market, whereas the rest of us want Europe to evolve as a strong power, not just economically but diplomatically and strategically, too."
"Shouldn't we draw the consequences and ask whether it wouldn't be to everyone's advantage, Britain's included, for them to leave the EU's political institutions and take the status of privileged partner?
"You cannot stay indefinitely both in and out. If a friend cannot raise this question, who else will dare to pose it?"
The old man he speaks sense, and finding myself agreeing with a French intellectual is a shock to the system this early in the morning.
Posted by The Englishman at 6:59 AM
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July 13, 2005
Read all about it
Jens-Peter Bonde's Reader friendly version of the EU Constitution as signed in Rome October 29, 2004 is now available.
Click to read and download it:
Thanks for sending me the link - I will read at my leisure. Thanks.
Posted by The Englishman at 12:37 PM
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June 25, 2005
Patently Obvious
Vote YES to Patenting Software and Business Methods*
*and computer-implemented cooking recipes
Top Ten Reasons to Vote for Software Patents
We present an easy-to-read guide to software patents and why you, an MEP should vote for
full patentability of software and business methods. Copy and distribute this handy guide!...
Vote for Software Patents now and help us
destroy the SME plague!
This message has been brought to you by the British Association for Software Technology and Research & Development Standards, representing the largest technology firms in Europe and America in collaboration with patent attorneys. We believe in a future where we the largest and most powerful firms are free to compete on any legal terms that we care to define even if it means corrupting the democratic process and destroying the general population's trust in the EU institutions to do so.
Posted by The Englishman at 1:23 PM
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June 23, 2005
Tony Two Face on Europe
BBC NEWS | Politics | Full text: Blair's European speech
I am a passionate pro-European. I always have been.
TONY BLAIR SEDGEFIELD PAMPHLET
Tony Blair was elected to Parliament as a Labour Party MP in the constituency of Sedgefield at the General Election on the 9th of June 1983. He had previously stood at the Beaconsfield by-election in 1982. In his Sedgefield Election Address he stated:
"We'll negotiate a withdrawal from the E.E.C. which has drained our natural resources and destroyed jobs."
Sovereignty has obtained a copy of Blair's 1983 Sedgefield Election Address and we reproduce it in full. His EEC quote appears on page 3...
Posted by The Englishman at 11:45 AM
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Meeting the vassals
Telegraph | News | Eurocrats plan grand tour to win hearts of citizens
Still reeling from the collapse of its constitution, the EU's most senior Eurocrats yesterday promised to tour member states, including Britain, to ask citizens for their vision of its future.
Aides pledged that the 25-nation tour would not be complete without the commissioners involved meeting their fiercest critics face to face, including British Euro-sceptics.
The European tour will be led by Jose Manuel Barroso
The progress through national capitals will begin this autumn, and will be led by Jose Manuel Barroso, the president of the European Commission, and Margot Wallstrom, the vice-president for communications.
They will be accompanied by a shifting retinue of relevant commissioners - such as Peter Mandelson for the British leg of the tour.
The exercise to win hearts and minds will lead to the commissioners meeting national parliaments and members of "civil society", including unions, NGOs, groups of voters and young people.
"civil society", oh - that lets me out then!.
Like Medival monarchs loaded with a waggon train of bribes they will stately process dispensing favours and audiences on the adoring crowds..., maybe like Bad King John they will loose the Constitution in The Wash. A tip - avoid any surfeit of lampreys on your trip Margot!
Posted by The Englishman at 6:45 AM
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June 22, 2005
No, no , yes
BBC NEWS | Politics | Blair says EU rebate 'has to go'
Tony Blair has said Britain's 3bn EU rebate is an "anomaly that has to go" -
He is tired of all that tough posturing and some of his European chums have been rude to him - where is he going to go on holiday next year? - so the Tony is made for turning.
Posted by The Englishman at 7:00 AM
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June 16, 2005
One last flight
Telegraph | News | Donors let the Sally B fly again
A wartime bomber will be able to make one more historic flight despite European insurance regulations that have made it too expensive to fly.
Britain's only airworthy B17 Flying Fortress, the Sally B, will join Spitfires, Hurricanes and Lancasters to celebrate the 60th anniversary of VJ Day with a flypast at the Blenheim Festival of Flight on Aug 14.
It was feared that the aircraft would be grounded after EU regulations put it in the weight category of an airliner, increasing its insurance five-fold.
Francis Rockliff, the festival's director, described the re-classification of the Flying Fortress as "European bureaucratic lunacy", but sponsorship by Virgin Atlantic and an anonymous American donor has made its appearance possible.
Good news - I must try and go - but if it really is its last flight might I suggest a slightly different flight plan - rather than going west to Blenheim a more South East route would take it over the Channel, and Brussels isn't that far, even if it were fully loaded...
Posted by The Englishman at 7:08 AM
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June 15, 2005
Mandy in 1940
BBC NEWS | Politics | UK must end "Churchillian tone on the Reich"
The UK Government must stop sounding like Winston Churchill in its negotiations in Berlin, European Commissioner Peter Mandelson has said.
In a speech in London, Mr Mandelson said the UK had to change both tone and substance to win backing in Europe.
The UK must be ready to look at reforming its independence as part of a deeper rethink of the Reich's plans, he said.
"It is surely wrong to ask the poorer new accession states to pay for any part of the independence," he said....
In a Fabian lecture in east London, Mr Mandelson said: "Refusal to talk about much needed Joining the Reich is part of the old conservatism in Europe which the Barroso Commission is determined to change.
"But Britain should be careful not to play into the hands of this conservatism.
"Ministers must be consistent and courageous in their reformism, and be prepared, in the context of a deeper re-think about the Reich's expansion, to look at reforming Britain's independence."
Posted by The Englishman at 7:06 AM
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Mandy joins in the handbagging
BBC NEWS | Politics | UK must end 'Thatcher tone on EU'
The UK Government must stop sounding like Margaret Thatcher in its negotiations in Brussels, European Commissioner Peter Mandelson has said.
In a speech in London, Mr Mandelson said the UK had to change both tone and substance to win backing in Europe.
The UK must be ready to look at reforming its rebate as part of a deeper rethink of EU spending, he said.
"It is surely wrong to ask the poorer new accession states to pay for any part of the rebate," he said.
What do you mean "pay for the rebate"? The rebate just means we pay a bit less, we don't get money from anyone else! And quite frankly I couldn't give a flying fuck what the Europeans think...
Posted by The Englishman at 7:05 AM
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June 14, 2005
Picture this
If my mental arithmatic is correct - if a grain of salt is worth a Pound then the average yearly salary would about fill a Salt shaker. A Kilo bag would be worth a million pounds. The cost of our EU membership since 1992 would be very large Lorry load - 41 Tonnes.
I can see the advert now!
Graphic: Figuring out Europe - World - Times Online
Posted by The Englishman at 8:49 AM
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June 10, 2005
Crazy Frog demands
Britain, UK news from The Times and The Sunday Times - Times Online
TONY BLAIR put himself on a collision course with Jacques Chirac last night by rejecting a call from the French President to make a gesture by giving up Britains 3 billion rebate
M Chirac said after a meeting with Jean-Claude Juncker, the Prime Minister of Luxembourg:: "The time has come for our British friends to understand that they must now make a gesture of solidarity."
Mr Blair delivered his rebuff after the talks with Mr Rasmussen. "Britain has been making a gesture, because over the past ten years, even with the British rebate, we have been making a contribution into Europe 2 times that of France."
Or "Piss Off Crazy Frog"
Posted by The Englishman at 6:40 AM
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June 9, 2005
Its the euro, stupid.
Opinion - Anatole Kaletsky - Times Online
The euro is the essential cause of Europe's "democratic deficit" because it prevents different countries adopting the variety of social and business models that voters demand. A currency is to national economic management what a border is to political sovereignty: with floating currencies each country can choose its own style of economic and social organisation; with fixed currencies they can't.
If France or Italy wants a generous social safety net, it can keep its business costs down by devaluing its currency. Of course, devaluation may lower living standards for consumers, but if people want to pay this price to preserve their social traditions, that is what democracy is for. It is only when a country with high social costs loses control of its currency that the burden becomes intolerable, destroying jobs and decimating investment.
The truth is creeping out - and if the bankers do cut the rates to help Italy, Germany and France what happens to the economies of Ireland, Portugal and Greece?
Posted by The Englishman at 6:47 AM
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June 8, 2005
And it is value for money?
Telegraph | Money | UK to swell Brussels' coffers by 14.6bn
Britain's gross contributions to the European Union could rise to 14.6billion by 2007-08, up from 12.1billion this year, according to figures published by the Treasury.
The figures - which came in a parliamentary answer - are likely to add to the confusion over exactly how much Britain contributes, which on current projections is equivalent to about 4p on income tax or the Home Office budget. Britain is the second biggest contributor after Germany.
And that is just the direct cost...; with any luck by 2007 the cost will be zero, zilch, not a bean!
Posted by The Englishman at 7:22 AM
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June 7, 2005
Augean stables to get light dusting
End is near for MEPs' "outrageous" expenses - World - Times Online
THE notorious expenses system that enables MEPs to boost their salaries by thousands of pounds a month by claiming for a set amount, rather than what they actually spend, is to be reformed. ...
MEPs admit that their expenses system is little more than legalised corruption, the Parliament has repeatedly defended it as a way of balancing the disparity in pay between the worst-paid and best-paid....
Well, it is a start I suppose. I always thought claiming expenses you didn't occur was an offence....
Posted by The Englishman at 7:01 AM
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June 5, 2005
Euro crash?
Ministers deny euro's demise - Sunday Times - Times Online
A report last week from Charles Stanley Sutherlands, the stockbroker, put a 50% probability on at least one country leaving the euro by 2008, and said that its complete collapse by 2020 was "inevitable".
There seems to be all sort of jittery feelings out in the market at the moment - and sometimes markets overreact and cause irrational crashes. I think I would swap out my Euro notes for greenbacks, if I had any.
Posted by The Englishman at 8:34 PM
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A man who knows
It is perhaps a bit too early to look into the future of the EU but maybe a couple of things now seem likely. Firstly, the 'ever closer union' written into the 1957 Treaty of Rome is now of historical interest only. It seems like the voters of France and Holland have indicated a general disinclination to surrender both sovereignty and their views of their own national character. And yes, it could be said that in many ways, the Eurosceptics have won.
Secondly, I suspect that the eurozone's days are numbered. It was always a dubious proposition that so many very different countries would be able to find a common interest rate suitable to their needs and the restrictive euro rules regarding national deficits acceptable. Italy, now arguably Europe's 'sickest man', faces economic decline as its manufacturing markets are ravaged by the emerging giants of India and China. The straightjacket of the euro means that it cannot use devaluation as the antidote but has to face rising unemployment. How long can this last? I suspect the euro will prove to be a brief and unhappy interlude in Europe's financial history long before we get anywhere near considering an application to join it.
So is the EU finshed? No. Far from it....
New blog on the block; from Bill Jones who isn't one of us amateurs in "Ars Politica" - one to watch.
Posted by The Englishman at 7:01 AM
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June 3, 2005
Lame Ducks
Telegraph | News | Lame duck leaders in search of solutions
Jacques Chirac
Silvio Berlusconi
Gerhard Schrder
Wot? No Tony Blair?
Great article - go and read it - either get the Kleenex out for the poor darlings or, well, whatever else you would choose for an injured duck....
Posted by The Englishman at 7:28 AM
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June 2, 2005
No means No
EUROPA - Margot Wallstrm, Vice-President of the European Commission: my blog
The fragrant one is in a state of shock and for the sake of feminists everywhere needs reminding that "No means No" - I am sure she spent days chanting that in her earlier years. Now she seems to think it means - Maybe, well after a couple of glasses more of wine; yes.....
If you have time go and drop a comment on her blog; such as:
Dear Vice-President Wallstrm,
Which part of No do you and your various minions and spokespersons not understand?
Posted by Helen
Website: http://www.eureferendum.blogspot.com
Posted by The Englishman at 7:38 AM
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June 1, 2005
The Euro - the market speaks
THE EUROs losses after Frances rejection of the EU constitution gathered pace yesterday as the French vote fuelled concerns that future economic reforms in the eurozone will be hampered. ..
The selling pressure on the euro came as Moody's, the credit rating agency, warned of the long-term consequences of the French vote for the eurozone economy.
Although Moody's concluded that "European unity is unlikely to be derailed as a result", and saw few direct implications for the credit status of eurozone member states, it said there would be damaging fallout nonetheless. "The dynamics of integration and enlargement will be hampered and the functioning of European institutions will become increasingly ineffective," it said.
That feels a bit optimistic to me...
Posted by The Englishman at 6:51 AM
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May 31, 2005
Revolting Peasants!
Telegraph | News | Defiant rural French give Paris elite a bloody nose
France's resounding No to the EU constitution amounted to a defiant blast from country people, mid-ranking professionals, the young, the low-paid and the jobless at the well-heeled elite in Paris.
And we are a strong forgotten lot over here as well!
Posted by The Englishman at 6:55 AM
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Blair against the "elite"
Telegraph | News | Blair faces clash over move to kill EU treaty
Tony Blair was on a collision course with fellow European leaders last night over Government plans to kill off the EU constitution...
The German chancellor, Gerhard Schrder, admitted that the French result had been a shock to Europe's elites but insisted that it would not halt closer integration, built round the Franco-German axis.
"It is a setback for the process of ratifying the constitution but not its end," he said.
Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, the Spanish prime minister, whose country has already ratified the treaty, also insisted that the show must go on.
He said: "European construction is a grand project and will overcome obstacles, as Europe is not the problem but the solution."
Peter Mandelson, the trade commissioner in Brussels, said the French government could well ask the people to vote again in a second referendum in the hope of getting a different answer.
"No single member state has a veto over a constitutional treaty of this sort," he said.
"France will have to consider its position: whether it is going to maintain a No or whether it is going to revisit the question and possibly come forward with a different view."
Laugh? - I am nearly crying into my cup of "Rosy" - no double moccha fairtrade lattes here, mate! The "Elite" is still on autopilot having assumed it would be a "petite non" - but it wasn't; the world has changed and something needs to shift to accomodate it.
For real analysis go and read some of the euro bloggers on the sidebar - they are far better at it than I am!
Posted by The Englishman at 6:53 AM
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May 27, 2005
Competiton Time
Tim Worstall is having a competition this weekend. The aim is to come up with the tag line for a bumper sticker which perfectly describes your (or our) view of the European Union.
Posted by The Englishman at 9:49 AM
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May 26, 2005
You vote - We ignore
Telegraph | News | Keep up the pressure for a No vote, Left warned
Jean-Claude Juncker, the prime minister of Luxembourg and holder of the rotating EU presidency, told Le Soir newspaper in Belgium that he would act swiftly on Sunday night if France voted No.
He would appear with the head of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso, and demand that all 25 EU nations complete the process of ratifying the constitution, in referendums or parliamentary votes.
Mr Juncker said it was essential for the EU leadership to show a united front on Sunday night, and "maintain order in the process that will unfold the morning after".
"If it's a Yes, we will say 'on we go', and if it's a No we will say 'we continue'," he said.
We are not going to let the views of the little people get in the way of the great project....
Posted by The Englishman at 7:23 AM
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Euro Tories go native
Telegraph | News | Euro Tories suspend MEP in row over EU president
A Conservative MEP had his party membership suspended yesterday by the head of the British Tory delegation in the European Parliament after an angry debate about excessive European Union secrecy.
Four other British Conservatives were threatened with expulsion from the European People's Party, the parliament's majority centre-Right faction, by the EPP's German leader, Hans-Gert Poettering...
The suspension was triggered after Mr Helmer publicly accused the Tory leader in the European Parliament, Timothy Kirkhope, of "inappropriately" demanding he remove his name from a motion of censure against the European Commission.
Mr Helmer accused Mr Poettering of being behind that "pressure", telling the EPP leader he had "brought shame on this House".
Moments later the German MEP abruptly told parliament that Mr Helmer was no longer a member of his grouping, a declaration that followed no known parliamentary rule.
Within hours Mr Helmer was stripped of his British Tory whip - a move that angry colleagues said was designed to save Mr Poettering's face.
So Euro Tory MEPs are meant to dance to the tune of a German politician rather than represent their constituents or party at home - I will remember that next time they come asking for my vote.
Posted by The Englishman at 7:20 AM
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May 25, 2005
Suspicious, moi?
Telegraph | News | Europe faces up to double rejection of treaty
French voters appear ready to deliver a humiliating rebuff to the European establishment by rejecting the proposed EU constitution, according to opinion polls last night.
They showed the No vote strengthening to an eight-point lead in the final days of campaigning before Sunday's referendum.
....elements of uncertainty were enough to make it possible that when polling ended on Sunday night, France would have voted Yes.
Why do I have a feeling that when they open those Ballot boxes there will be more Yes votes than expected?
Posted by The Englishman at 6:57 AM
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May 23, 2005
EU referendum
Interesting week ahaead on the EU Referendum - I have given up trying to read the tea leaves and so am glad for this explanation from a leading french expert...
"I think there will be a 'yes'. If we don't (vote 'yes'), there is a great risk there will be a 'no'".
Elizabeth Guigou, former French Europe minister
Posted by The Englishman at 7:05 AM
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May 17, 2005
Sign me up!
The official launch of The People's "No" Campaign (against the European Constitution) is to take place at 2 pm Wednesday 25th May 2005. It will be held at The Conference Room, Abingdon House, 13 Little College Street, Westminster, London SW1P 3SH.
Details of the growing alliance will be posted on the website shortly, where we have a full analysis of news and events as they unfold.
Posted by The Englishman at 4:28 PM
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A United Europe!
Telegraph | News | Europe unites in hatred of French
Language, history, cooking and support for rival football teams still divide Europe. But when everything else fails, one glue binds the continent together: hatred of the French...
Britons described them as "chauvinists, stubborn, nannied and humourless". However, the French may be more shocked by the views of other nations.
For the Germans, the French are "pretentious, offhand and frivolous". The Dutch describe them as "agitated, talkative and shallow." The Spanish see them as "cold, distant, vain and impolite" and the Portuguese as "preaching". In Italy they comes across as "snobs, arrogant, flesh-loving, righteous and self-obsessed" and the Greeks find them "not very with it, egocentric bons vivants".
Interestingly, the Swedes consider them "disobedient, immoral, disorganised, neo-colonialist and dirty".
Posted by The Englishman at 7:03 AM
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May 16, 2005
Should We Stay or Should We Go?
CIVITAS The Latest Books Should We Stay or Should We Go? By Lord Pearson of Rannoch and Stephen Pollard.
Pollard argues, I gather, that the Anglo-Saxon's are winning the arguement in the EU so we should stay and convert the institution; Lord Pearson "Leaving the EU would be a liberating, refreshing, positive, modern thing to do. And we would be very much richer as well!"
Now is not the time for Britain to talk about withdrawing from the European Union, according to one of the contributors to a new publication from independent think-tank Civitas. Writing in Should We Stay or Should We Go?, Stephen Pollard of the Centre for the New Europe argues that the forthcoming referendum on the European Constitution offers 'the opportunity of a generation to mould the EU in the direction which the British have been advocating for decades [and] places the power to force change in the hands of the electorate, who will have the opportunity to say what they think, and to say it in a way that can't be ignored' (p.25).
Pollard sees the conflict over the Constitution as a battle between the forces of Old Europe, led by France and Germany ('statist, tax-devouring old, sclerotic' pp.28 & 28) and New Europe ('more market-flexible, politically loose and sovereignty-respecting' p.26). New Europe is led by Britain, but with the very important fresh allies of Eastern European countries that have recently joined the EU, and which are more drawn towards the British and American political model - 'the EU did nothing to free Poland, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Lithuania, Latvia and Hungary from the Soviet empire' (p.27).
Pollard cites the appointment of Jos Barrosa as President of the European Commission as a sign of the new outlook in Europe, an outlook that owes much to British influence:
At a time when the possibility now exists of sending so severe a shock to the EU's system that change is unavoidable, it would be crazy, now of all times, to consider withdrawal (p.26).
Pollard warns that the Blair government wants to portray the referendum on the European Constitution as being about whether we should be in or out of the EU. This should be resisted, as he believes there are many who share his own Euro-scepticism, and who will vote to reject the Constitution, but who want Britain to remain in the EU. If the referendum is allowed to turn into a vote for or against EU membership, it will let the Euro-federalists off the hook:
The withdrawal issue is thus political stupidity of the highest order, given the opportunity for a resettlement of the EU's foundations which would be presented by a "No" vote (p.31).
Better off out!
Lord Pearson of Rannoch, the other contributor to Should We Stay of Should We Go?, shares Stephen Pollard's aversion to the proposed EU Constitution, about which he finds only one good thing to say:
M. Giscard D'Estaing has done us all one great favour. The wording of the document is really very easy to understand; it is not written in the usual impenetrable verbiage of the Treaties (p.16).
But what it says is that:
the EU will acquire its own legal personality, superior to that of the member states. There is no longer even the pretence that the EU is an arrangement between sovereign nations. The EU, the Brussels system, becomes Sovereign (p.15).
However, Lord Pearson feels that the whole EU project has gone too far, and that the surrender of sovereignty involved is already so serious, that the only answer is to withdraw completely. The threat to our sovereignty, our democracy and our centuries-old tradition of self-government, coupled with the huge costs and institutionalised corruption of the EU ('Its own internal auditors have refused to sign its accounts for the last nine years' p.5) make sensible reform impossible. The only way forward is out.
Leaving the EU would be a liberating, refreshing, positive, modern thing to do. And we would be very much richer as well! (p.19)
Both essays are in the best tradition of political polemic. The authors argue their opposing positions with passion and conviction, enabling readers to compare and evaluate the two sides of this most topical debate.
Should We Stay or Should We Go? By Lord Pearson of Rannoch and Stephen Pollard is published by Civitas, 77 Great Peter St, London SW1P 2EZ
Tel 020 7799 6677, www.civitas.org.uk, price 5.90 inc. p&p, ISBN 1 903 386 40-3.
Posted by The Englishman at 4:16 PM
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May 12, 2005
Dragging us down
Telegraph | News | MEPs vote to stop Britons working over 48hrs a week
The change is being pushed through as a "health and safety" measure, allowing Brussels to circumvent the British veto.
Government sources said they remained confident of securing enough support from other countries to block the measure when it goes before EU employment ministers early next month.
But it presents Mr Blair with an embarrassing wrangle over who runs Britain's employment policy at the start of his third term in power.
Removal of the opt-out would oblige firms and employees to keep time sheets listing how long they worked, including hours spent working at home. Only top executives would be exempt.
A wide range of staff with "decision-making" roles - originally exempt - would be subject to the 48-hour limit. Records would have to be available for instant inspection at any time.
All "on-call" time for doctors, nurses, firemen, security staff and others at their places of work would be treated as ordinary work time, even if they were asleep.
No need to rehearse the arguments - I think we all know them!
Ceterum censeo Unionem Europaeam esse delendam
Posted by The Englishman at 6:59 AM
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BBC to start being impartial..
BBC NEWS | Politics | BBC unveils EU coverage changes
BBC coverage of the European Union must be made more sophisticated, the corporation's news division has said.
The BBC was responding to an independent inquiry which said its reporting of the EU must become "more demonstrably impartial".
...It found no evidence of deliberate bias in BBC reporting but it said there was a "widespread perception" of "certain forms of cultural and unintentional bias" which had to be corrected. ....The response also says there will be a new system to measure the impact BBC journalism has on its audience in terms of promoting "informed citizenship" and understanding in EU issues.
So still going to promoted "informed citizenship"! Doesn't sound like it views informed non-citizenship of the EU as a desirable option to aim for....
A heard Jeremy Vine on the car radio, a day or so ago, musing as he was approaching 40 should he start thinking of himself as "European" rather than "British". Not that that implies a fixed mind set; after all a year or so ago he asked the question : Should Britain Leave the EU, 13,500 listeners phoned in and of that number, a colossal 92 per cent said YES.
Posted by The Englishman at 6:39 AM
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Who said?
BBC NEWS | Politics | UK rebate 'unjustified' - Chirac
"In countries like Germany and France, where frankly because of a tighter social market they have much higher levels of unemployment, there is increasing anxiety about other people coming in," he said.
In other words the EU causes poverty and Xenophobia...
Who said it?
Jack Straw - I'm glad he is in favour of the EU otherwise I would hate to see how he would critise it if he was against it.
Posted by The Englishman at 6:28 AM
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May 9, 2005
Vote Yes or the Jews Get It
Telegraph | News | Vote for EU constitution or risk new Holocaust, says Brussels
Vote for EU constitution or risk new Holocaust, says Brussels
Margot Wallstrom, a Swede and the commissioner who must sell the draft constitution to voters,.. (accused) Eurosceptics of risking a return to the Holocaust by clinging to "nationalistic pride"....blamed the Second World War on "nationalistic pride and greed, and international rivalry for wealth and power". The EU had replaced such rivalry with an historic agreement to share national sovereignty.
Her fellow commissioners also issued a joint declaration, stating that EU citizens should pay tribute to the dead of the Second World War by voting Yes to the draft constitution for Europe.
The commissioners also gave the EU sole credit for ending the Cold War, making no mention of the role of Nato and the United States.
From Sweden? "Sweden was Nazi Germany's largest trading partner during the war and almost the sole source of high-grade iron ore and precision ball bearings for the German war machine. Imports of the latter from Sweden were especially important following the destruction of the VKF ball bearing plant (itself Swedish-owned) at Schweinfurt by the US Eighth Air Force in August and October 1943..."
TEBAF (The Ever Blessed and Fragrant) Magot uses VE day to make a cheap political point - may she rot.
Why don't they ever warn of the risk of a new Yugoslavia? - you know, a group of nations forced together into a federation against their will which then explodes...
Posted by The Englishman at 6:51 AM
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May 8, 2005
At long last Europe is safe from the threat of B-17s
On the eve of the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the end of World War Two, new European regulations have grounded the UKs much-loved Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress, Sally B.....
Tell me that is what they fought and died for...
Posted by The Englishman at 9:18 PM
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April 29, 2005
Anglo saxon world
L'Ombre de l'Olivier - Di2.Nu weblog points out:
Go to http://maps.google.co.uk/ and zoom out to may then navigate left and right. Oh look, there is Canada, Alaska, USA, and The British Isles in the Ocean - but no Europe - what a refreshing view!
Posted by The Englishman at 4:52 PM
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April 25, 2005
Worrried - do I look worried?
Prodi says a French 'non' vote would be the fall of Europe - World - Times Online
Two polls over the weekend showed that the "no" campaigns are gaining ground in France and the Netherlands, which votes three days later. More than 20 successive polls have predicted that the French will reject the constitution. The latest put the “no” vote at 62 per cent, the highest yet. The latest Dutch poll showed 52 per cent planning to vote "no".
On Friday the Commission admitted that it was concerned for the first time. "It is very clear that the Commission, like everybody else, is worried by the turn of the statistics," a spokeswoman said.
Signor Prodi went further, telling a French newspaper that if France rejected the treaty "there will be no more Europe".
My worry is that somehow the ballot boxes will say something different - but apart from that I'm preparing for a "happy dance"...
Posted by The Englishman at 6:55 AM
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April 22, 2005
.eu domain
INn 2000 it was reported: Europe set to replace .com in 2001 - vnunet.com
Plans mooted by European government and business leaders to drop .com for .eu as the flagship European domain extension are on course, and registrations may start next year.
Ian Lynch, vnunet.com 04 Oct 2000
In 2003 I reported the follow up:
An Englishman's Castle: .eu bollocks
In 2004 I reported another follow up:
An Englishman's Castle: Couldn't run a whelk stall
And today in 2005 the BBC reports:
BBC NEWS | World | Europe | EU to launch its own web domain
The European Commission has said that the new internet domain name ".eu" will be up and running by the end of 2005.
.eu the only domain it has taken 10 years to set up! I think that tells you all you need to know about the thrusting, modern, dynamic Europe commission.
Posted by The Englishman at 9:53 AM
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April 21, 2005
Torygraph owners take advantage of EU law
Telegraph | News | Barclay brothers sue Times for libel in French court
Sir David and Sir Frederick Barclay, the owners of The Daily Telegraph, have launched criminal libel proceedings against The Times over a report about their business activities, it was confirmed yesterday.
Officers from Scotland Yard's extradition squad arrived at the London office of The Times on Tuesday evening to serve a summons on the editor, Robert Thomson, and his media editor, Dan Sabbagh.
They and their newspaper are required to appear before a court in Paris on June 23, when a date will probably be set for their trial. If convicted, they could be fined.
You couldn't make it up - British newspaper owners sue another British newspaper and use the EU wide arrest warrent and French courts rather than the London courts. I'm just surprised they didn't use the Greek courts. And there was me thinking the Tlegraph was against this sort of thing...
Posted by The Englishman at 7:02 AM
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April 20, 2005
Of course it isn't our fault..
European companies may be to blame for a lack of growth within the euro zone, according to an EU Commission report released Monday (18 April).
Of course lazy old companies and silly businessmen not working hard enough or spending their moeny in the wrong way (Major European companies, including those posting record profits during 2004, are giving money back to investors or buying back shares rather than reinvesting it into more jobs or investing in technology.) are to blame for the EU's piss poor performance.
Posted by The Englishman at 10:06 PM
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April 15, 2005
Humanism through Strength
Remember Jack Straw saying, This Constitution is a victory for Britain and the British view of Europe.
Now there is a message that we ought to take out adverts in France to spread, because as Chirac trys to rally the Yes vote we get a slightly different message from him!
BBC NEWS | World | Europe | Key quotes: Chirac on EU constitution
So, there were two possible solutions - either letting things drift, as we have done so far, in other words, a solution leading to the kind of Europe which is driven by the ultra-liberal current, an Anglo-Saxon, Atlanticist kind of Europe. This is not the kind of Europe we want.
The second option is a humanist Europe, but one which in order to impose its humanism, its values, must be organised, must be strong, the kind of Europe which has the necessary power in order to be counted in the world of tomorrow...
And this means that it needs to be organised, that it needs to have shared ambition, and this organisation which gives it its strength needs rules, of course.
And why does the phrase "impose its humanism" with "organisation" and "strength" send shivers down my spine?
Posted by The Englishman at 6:01 AM
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April 13, 2005
Gallic Noes
Chirac toils to stem tide of 'no' voters in EU constitution poll - Newspaper Edition - Times Online
PRESIDENT CHIRAC embarks on a make-or-break attempt tomorrow to persuade voters to approve the European Union constitution after a poll yesterday showed the "no" majority increasing before the French referendum on May 29.
Of course there may be other ways for the Crook to win - all those ballot boxes from the territories for instance.. as
Michael Portillo said of a previous French vote:
"Within minutes of the ballot boxes being sealed Major received a call from Paris to tell him that the vote had been carried by 51% to 49%. That surprised me. In my experience of elections it had never been possible to know the outcome of such a close contest so quickly. To this day I harbour shameful doubts about how the French government could be so sure so soon."
Posted by The Englishman at 6:29 AM
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Turkeys NOT voting for Xmas
Telegraph | News | MEPs veto moves to end fraud scandals
Members of the European Parliament rejected moves yesterday to clean up scandal-ridden arrangements for their travel allowances and expenses. Their decision prompted anger and disbelief from British MEPs, who voted for proposed reforms.
In a series of votes carried by a margin of six to four at a full session of the parliament in Strasbourg, MEPs resisted proposals for audits of their accounts and turned down calls to impose sanctions on those found to have defrauded the taxpayer.
No comment needed.
Posted by The Englishman at 6:06 AM
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April 7, 2005
Attention les voteurs de France
As part of the new campaign to tell French voters that the English want them to vote "oui" here is today's PR:
Allo Mes Braves. Vous will 'ave noticed cette article dans notre Newspaper:
Telegraph | News | EU seeks 4bn migration budget
The European Commission yesterday unveiled proposals for a pan-European immigration system.
The commission asked member states to provide more than 4 billion for Brussels-led programmes to manage legal and illegal migration during the life of the next European Union budget from 2007 to 2013.
An "integration fund", worth 1.2 billion, would offer help to national and local governments to integrate newcomers, with "civic orientation courses, intercultural training and handbooks".
Britain, along with Ireland, has not signed up to the core of the Schengen agreement, and maintains border controls. It will not contribute to the new funds.
Remembez-vous that tout les immigrants will be integrated dans La France et avec la dosh from Le UE they will buy up votre miasons et couchez ave votre filles. Les Anglais wont let them in so they will be stuckes ave vous! Cette what la tout UE is about n'est pas, Vous knows it makes sense, votez OUi pour le sake de Angleterre.
Posted by The Englishman at 7:10 AM
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April 6, 2005
Oui or Non?
Telegraph | News | 'Yes' and 'No' camps both turn to De Gaulle
The towering figure of Charles de Gaulle has been dragged into France's debate on the EU constitution, with backers and opponents arguing over whether the former president would have said "Oui" or "Non" to the treaty.
As three opinion polls yesterday showed that the "No"