| Topic: | 'Ever closer union' | |
| Posted by: | Alastair Banton | |
| Date/Time: | 05/12/18 17:53:00 |
| It's a worthwhile and positive aspiration. I think it would be a good maxim for a successful marriage or for any team. Think Gareth Southgate's England team. I think Brexiters imagine that 'ever closer union' implies that in some way we Brits will lose our identity and be dominated by malevolent outside forces (Brussels), but I see that as paranoid nonsense. A successful and close Union is one in which all members co-operate and respect one another's autonomy. As a member of the E.U. the U.K. can play a positive role and help to bring about this desirable closeness. If you believe that is not possible then I think that betrays a remarkable lack of belief in the U.K., a lack of self-confidence, even, I might add, a lack of patriotism. And what is the alternative to 'ever closer union'? 'Ever increasing division' perhaps. Is that what Brexiters want? I think it is certainly what this country's enemies want - Putin etc. People who really 'believe in Britain' know that we can play a powerful role in the E.U. Outside it we (and Europe) would be sadly diminished. |