News from
David Sumberg MEP
Winter 200
4Conservative Member of the European Parliament for the North West of England
LETTER FROM EUROPE
UKIP NODS OFF
Eventful would be an accurate word to describe the last few months in Brussels and Strasbourg. But of all the episodes MEPs have witnessed - from the uproar caused by the appointment of the new European Commission, to the arrival of the new member states - no single spectacle has given me greater cause for a wry smile than the public implosion of UKIP.
Robert Kilroy-Silk, its would-be leader, has plunged UKIP into farce and crisis. His prima donna antics, aimed so obviously at his real target audience, namely the media, backfired spectacularly badly. As well as casting doubt over Mr Kilroy-Silk's political commonsense, clearly his chat show past has clearly given him an overrated opinion of his own importance.
In reality, he is a member of the Robert Kilroy-Silk party and his lack of ideology reflects the ragbag of opinions that make up UKIP. As he contemplates his future without a party, let us not sweep aside the danger of UKIP. A vote for UKIP can only help Labour and the Lib/Dems who are both hell bent on ensuring that Britain is part of a powerful federal Europe. If people want Britain governed from Westminster, and a limit on the meddling powers of the EU, then only the Conservatives can achieve this. UKIP's biggest danger is to ensure the re-election of a Labour government promoting the very integrationist agenda that UKIP supporters so strongly oppose.
THE GROWL OF THE RUSSIAN BEAR
Observing the much-anticipated influx of MEPs, researchers and journalists from the new 10 new member states has been a riveting experience. Sitting on the Foreign Affairs Committee, I have been struck by the way these new countries are predominantly influenced by events in the East. The Baltic States in particular, but also Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic, are all, understandably, wary of the mighty growl of the Russian bear. This shows itself in two positive ways.
Firstly they are refreshingly pro-American, as historically they see the USA as the bulwark between them and a country they still mistrust. This pro-American attitude makes a welcome change from the negative, at times rather sneering, view of the United States, from more established countries notably France and Germany.
Secondly because of their experience of being occupied by the Soviet Union the accession countries treat the ambitions of the EU with a healthy dose of 'arms length' scepticism. They have too much experience from recent history of decisions being taken for them by a powerful outside political force. As a general observation, the new politicians from the East have really hit the ground running. They are astute political operators. I continue to hope that the accession countries will be a force for good.
BLAIR PLAYS WITH FIRE
When Tony Blair signed the EU constitution with other EU leaders in Italy in October his behaviour said it all. He made a sharp exit and failed to stick around to 'jaw jaw' with the European elite. In short, he looked ill at ease and uncomfortable. And understandably so. He should never have signed that piece of paper. The ink was still drying when the European Commission
suggested it could simply go ahead and implement the EU constitution - without waiting for the results of referenda from across member states. What breathtaking arrogance! This is precisely why Michael Howard is absolutely right to demand a referendum as soon as he wins the General Election. The sooner we can spike this EU constitution the better.
TURKEY TO JOIN THE EU?
Outgoing enlargement European Commissioner Gunther Verheugen has introduced his long-awaited report on Turkish accession to the EU. It contains all sorts of caveats and conditions and delaying clauses, but the bottom line is eventual Turkish accession, perhaps in ten years' time. This is a highly contentious issue.
The arguments in favour are straightforward. Turkey is the lynchpin of NATO's eastern flank and needs to be locked in to the Western world. It should also be rewarded for its staunch support for the West, and for setting an example as a moderate, secular, democratic Muslim nation.
There are those who argue that the inevitable influx of very large numbers of Turkish workers would be the solution to Europe's demographic problems. It would rejuvenate and refresh our ageing populations
The arguments against Turkish accession relate to worries about human rights in Turkey, for example the recent proposal to criminalise adultery. There are also concerns about cost. Turkey is a very poor, very populous country. Its population, currently around 69 million, is rising fast. It is expected to be 83 million by 2020, and it looks set to have a larger population than any EU country soon after. Turkey raises fundamental questions about what Europe means.
It's a tough call so where do you stand? Let me have your views. After all, whatever the final decision, it's going to affect us in Britain for years to come.