“World Peace”. Those are the opening words of the Schumann Declaration – the founding document of what is now the European Union. So that is what it is all about. Peace between member states. And peace in the face of external threat by offering political support to the NATO military alliance. The EU has helped […]
EU Referendum: Four cemeteries and a EU trip
My Twitter feed today shows a poster from the 1975 referendum campaign: “Forty million people died in two European wars this century. Better to lose a little national sovereignty than a son or daughter. Vote Yes to keep the peace. Keep Britain in Europe.” Although we pool sovereignty, rather than lose it, I accept the […]
Young Voters & the EU Referendum: What’s not working?
With less than two months until polling day it’s becoming increasingly clear that that the pro-EU, but politically disengaged, under-35 voters have the opportunity to play a key role in the upcoming referendum. Only half are currently planning on voting, 1 in stark contrast to the predominantly older Brexiters. Youngsters not participating in politics is […]
EU Referendum: Vote Leave, Lose Control?
“If we vote to remain, EU laws will overrule UK laws and the European Courts will be in control of our trade, our borders, and big decisions like whether prisoners are allowed to vote.” This was the stark warning thrust my direction by an eager Leave campaigner during my daily commute. I like to think […]
EU Referendum: Politics of Hope
Everyone accuses the Remain campaign of fear tactics. However, the Leave campaign also engages in Project Fear, exaggerating the size of the EU superstate which costs only 1% of our tax and has as many employees (32,000) as Leeds Town Council. However, we are up against a dreadful alliance of the mad, the Little Englanders, […]