The Europe Debate

I have to confess that the current question about a referendum on the new European Treaty leaves me incandescent with rage. I shall ignore the fact that Labour's Election manifesto promised us a referendum, because I think there is a deeper issue here. When Ted heath took us into Europe in the 70s, it was to join the 'common market'. A place where trade was free and the movement of goods was not restricted. Quite clearly this has never been the case as Customs will stop and seize booze and fags above a certain quantity because it cannot be for 'own use'. Since when did the free movement of goods and free trade imply that it had to be for own use. Surely the backbone of capitalism is obtaining goods or services at the cheapest possible price and making a healthy profit on the market when these are resold.

Now, if we cannot even do what was originally implied by the name why should we accept fedarlism in the form of the latest treaty. I don't believe we gain anything economically from being in the European Union as it is now called that we could not get from outside. Do we really believe that what trade we currently have with our closest neighbours would cease if we left the union? I don't think so.

Give us our referendum now Mr. Brown. We want out!