MEPs Want to Increase Poverty

Well thats not the way they see it, but that will be the end result of what they are trying to do.

MEPs are calling on the European Commission to push EU businesses to take the economic, social and environmental impacts of their activities more into consideration wherever they operate in the world.

What they are aiming for is to create legislation that controls the way that European Multinationals behave in developing countries. At the moment the talk is of voluntary codes, but nothing short of punitive legislation will be enough for people like this.

Economic actors, especially trans-national companies, have a huge role to play in protecting, promoting and respecting human, social and environmental rights. Sometimes more powerful than national governments, they are rarely held to account for the abuses they commit in damaging the environment, harming local communities and forcing workers to accept unfair conditions and/or salaries.

The problem is that it is complete bollocks. Of course some trans national corporations behave badly, but the overall reality is that they benefit the countries that they invest in. They have higher standards of behaviour.

A Book by Martin Wolf, associate editor and chief economics commentator at the Financial Times, spells this out in full.

He cites a study of 20,000 plants in Indonesia showing that the average wage paid to workers in foreign-owned plants in 1996 was 50 percent higher than in private domestic plants. Even after controlling for education levels, plant size, and other relevant variables, wages paid by multinational companies were 12 percent higher for blue-collar workers and 27 percent higher for white-collar workers.

This certainly fits in with my (limited) experience. Workers in developing countries would rather work for foreign companies than home grown ones.

But reality is never allowed to intrude on the making of European legislation, and has probably never intruded on the life of the Muppet behind this cause. Not today, nor next week, maybe not next year. However, it will happen, European Companies will be forced to apply rich world standards to poor countries. This will make overseas investments by European companies a riskier business.

With such legislation, the EU would achieve a number of things.

1. Less attractive employment for workers in the developing world
2. Less know how transfer, essential for development
3. Less competitive European Companies
4. Poorer environmental standards in developing countries
5. More power for the Eurocrats of Brussels.

Of course they only care about point 5, the poor and huddled masses can piss off and starve, the alternative is to give up on class warfare, and that's just not possible.

Whose Side is He On?

Wonko, has had a disagreement with Philip Bushill-Matthews MEP (Conservative) over the reasons for hospital closures. Wonko claims that it is due to our opt out from the Working Time Directive, and Mr Bushill Matthews disagrees.

Now I think that Wonko has made a technical error, and that Mr Bushill Matthews despite knowing what it was that Wonko was trying to say, has pedantically answered back, ignoring the actual issue.

The reality: Junior Doctors hours have been cut, and will be cut more in the future, due to The application from August 2004 of statutory working time limits (in line with the EU working time Directive) to doctors in training in the UK.

Our opt out of the working time directive is a separate (though related) issue and is still not solved.

So I ask you, what would a Eurosceptic MEP have said in an answer to such a technical error? Perhaps something along the lines of .... its not that one but this one.

Why are Conservative MEPs obfuscating, and deliberately trying to mislead people over EU issues? The key point of Wonko's argument was correct, that EU laws are having an impact on the closure of our hospitals, yet to read the counter argument, you would be led to believe that it was not so.

When are we going to get Conservative MEPs who actually stand up for our Country?

EU to Invite Mugabe

One of the reasons that the EU is apparently superior to individual nations, is its ability to use its size to facilitate change around the world. The reality is that it frequently goes for lowest common denominator politics, an undermines any worthwhile efforts. So it is no surprise that the ban on Comrade Bob is coming under pressure.

Portugal said that it wants to invite all African leaders - including Mr Mugabe - to an EU-Africa summit next year. The Portuguese Prime Minister, Jose Socrates, argued that the EU's position on Mr Mugabe needed to be changed and that "that will happen in February", adding: "The summit cannot be held if we do not invite all African countries."

So even the largely superficial sanctions that were actually agreed to, are now not convenient for some grand standing politician or other. So Mrs Mugabe can look forward to shopping trips in Paris, whilst her countrymen starve under the negligence and venality of her evil husband.

An EU Foreign Policy? That'll be a force for good won't it.

Beta Blogger

I have move the blog to Beta and updated my links. If you think you are missing and should be added to the links send me a mail. If you are part of the Eurosceptic Bloggers Group, I am preparing a blogroll which will include your blog.

Whose a Nasty Imperialist?

For those Michael Moore loving, GW hating lefties that have stumbled across this by accident, NO, its not the USA. The rest of you knew that I was going to say the EU anyway didn't you.

Eneko Landaburu, general director of the EU external relations commission, announced he was preparing a dossier denouncing the Swiss cantonal tax regime.

Just to reiterate. Switzerland is not a member of the EU, and yet our Benevolent Masters are trying to blackmail them into changing their tax regime. When you take into consideration that under their constitution, tax rates are under control of the cantons, you will see what a disgusting battle this really is.

The EU wants non member Switzerland, to change its constitution, so that it can change a tax regime that it doesn't like.

Imperialist Bastards. At least the Americans want to leave Iraq one day.

MEPs, High Profile or Invisible

Interesting analysis of MEP's profiles by Open Europe blog

We wanted to know which MEPs were most effective in gaining publicity. So we've done a quick back-of-the-envelope ranking based on how many times they have appeared in the press over the last 6 months (as measured by the Lexis Nexis database) and how many hits they turn up on Google.

Obviously we expect more from our Politicians than being publicity whores, but the results are interesting non the less. Our favourite Conservative MEP is top.

Red Diesel

No its not fuel being offered by Hugo Chavez to Ken Livingstone, its actually normal diesel fuel with a red dye added, and sold with a discount on normal fuel excise duty.

So why should we Serfs be the least bit interested? Because the following is a little example of how the EU controls everything. From Hansard:

Mr. Alistair Carmichael (Orkney and Shetland) (LD): What recent progress has been made in negotiations to extend the derogation from EU regulations to enable UK pleasure boats to use red diesel in 2007; and if he will make a statement. [104886] The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (John Healey): I know that the derogation that permits the use of red diesel in Britain is highly valued by private boat owners and users. Thirty-four separate derogations from the directive are held by member states. None has yet been approved by the Commission and 14 have been rejected so far. Late yesterday afternoon, it was confirmed to me that the Commission had decided not to renew the UK’s application for a fresh derogation for private boats.

This means that by order of Brussels, pleasure boats will have to pay full excise duty on their diesel. Why such decisions need to be made at EU level is a complete mystery. What over riding principle could there be, we are not told. But the upshot is that in many areas, Brussels already controls our taxation policy.

The debate continues with Class Warrior Rob Marris (Lab) criticising the fact that pleasure boats are exempt. His contribution is the kind that have led to the situation that we find ourselves in today, completely irrelevant.

Now you may think that he has a point. Its at least worth a debate. But handing over power to Brussels in order to win domestic arguments is the height of ignorance and negligence.

Those of you that read the debate may notice this little snippet:

The principle that road fuel level duty should be applied to private boat owners was agreed ...... in 1992 under the mineral oil structures directive, by the previous Government.

Two points here:

1. Previous Conservative governments have been almost as bad as this one in their surrender to Brussels
2. It took 14 years for the full effect of this directive happen. You can get opt outs or special status, but in the end, the Steam Roller will flatten you.

A Vote on the EU

Many of us have never had the chance to show our democratic disapproval of membership of the EU (or its previous guises). Now perhaps, the BBC is offering us a chance.

We want you to suggest a law which you think should be scrapped. Which is Britain's least useful or most damaging law? If possible, be specific. Our panel of politicians (across the spectrum) and legislation experts will sift your nominations to come up with a shortlist of six. That shortlist will go to a vote and, on New Year's Day, we'll announce the winning - or, more accurately, losing - law. At the very least, we hope, we'll fuel debate. But we'll also see whether any politician is brave enough to take the views of Today listeners to the House of Commons.

To take advantage of this, here is what you should do. Go to the page in question and write "European Communities Act 1972" in the space provided. Who knows whether they will choose it, but it could be fun if they do.

Not keen on enlargement

We are not keen on enlargement! Taken from FT (Thanks Steve)

Lib Dumb

Many people say that the 3 major parties are equally bad on the subject of the EU. Whilst I accept that they are all bad, they are not all equally bad, as this demonstrates.

The EU should have a much more central role in foreign and security policy, the Liberal Democrats say.

The reason is because idiots like Ming, cannot understand the difference between free will and being forced.

"Britain should distinguish its own foreign policy from that of the United States," he said.

The British Prime Minister, in his wisdom (or otherwise) has thrown us together with the USA. If Ming becomes Prime Minister (God Forbid) he can follow another course. Throwing our lot in with the EU however, would be a different matter, it would be sealed in concrete with a treaty.

However much he dislikes the current foreign policy, is he really too stupid to understand the difference? Or does he want to permanently neuter our country, such that it can never have its own interests again?

The Euro Revolt

Ever since the launch of the Euro, many have predicted that it would all end in tears. This story seems to support that thesis. France is in pain.

The monthly trade deficit ballooned to $2.7bn, following two months of sliding industrial orders and a shock halt to economic growth in the third quarter. Car output is down 14pc so far this year.

This is a country that not so long ago, had a trade surplus and the cause of this change is only too clear.

The euro has risen 11pc against the US dollar and most Asian currencies this year, and 20pc against the Japanese yen.

Not that France is the worst off you realise.

Italy has lost 40pc in competitiveness against Germany since the exchange rates were fixed ten years ago, while France last lost over 20pc - yet they still have to compete in the same currency zone.

and now the clincher......

Philippe de Villiers, leader of the eurosceptic MPF movement, said he was launching a referendum drive for a return to the franc. "The euro is a failure. It's weakening our industry and our exports to the point where Airbus is preparing to build plant directly in the United States and China," he said. "As we saw with the Czech and Slovak currency split, leaving the euro is technically quite simple. We could do it in eight days," he said.

How long before such opinion becomes mainstream.

Government For The People

Forget for a moment if you will, what you think of Turkey's EU membership bid. Ignore your concerns about clash of cultures, human rights or economic burdens. If you are in favour, forget that also. Just focus on this.

Only 26 percent of the European public support Turkey’s EU membership.

Now take this into consideration.

EU foreign ministers agreed to freeze eight of 35 "chapters" in entry negotiations relating to transport and trade, significantly slowing down Turkey's membership talks.

No pause to take it all in...... The EU seems to be listening to the people!!!!!! Could this be a first?

The most advanced legislation in the world

When politicians cannot defend something on the grounds of logic, they have a key word that they use instead. It is the favourite word of our Dear Leader and is common parlance in the corridors of power in Brussels.

That word is Modern. When you hear a politician use it, beware, they are up to no good. If the policy they are espousing were any good, they would explain why, not call it modern.

And so we come to REACH:

The law, considered the largest piece of legislation in EU history, has pitted industry against environmentalists for years.

The reason it is controversial is that it is based on the Precautionary Principle. This states that everything must be completely safe or it will be banned. It is the enabling act of EU politicos and will be used to snuff out every last vestige of individual choice, civil liberties and free markets from our continent. As such it is described.....

"This is some of the most advanced legislation in the world," said Mauri Pekkarinen, trade and industry minister for Finland

OK so he said advanced not modern, but the rule still holds. Bear in mind that this man is trade and industry minister, and you will understand how hopeless the situation is. Ignoramuses such as Mauri Pekkarinen, claim to be modern, progressive and advanced, but they are turning the clock back on the massive progress that society has made. They won't be happy until we are all back in our caves.

Just Because We're Paranoid...

It doesn't mean they are not after us.

1. The EU commission decides that a British food company has breached regulations, and bans their products for export.
2. Britain's Food Standards Agency, checks out the company and gives it a clean bill of health.
3. The company takes the commission to the Court of First Instance and wins
4. The Commission fails to accept their mistake
5. The commission decides to fine the UK food safety authorities, despite nobody ever having been in danger
6. The EU's Food and Veterinary Office decides to audit the UK's entire cheese industry
7. Our own Department of Health, bows to EU bullying and passes a new regulation banning trade by the company in question

They have completely overridden both their own EU standards and our Ancient liberties, in pursuit of a company that was doing nobody any harm. All in the cause of not admitting their own mistake.

Why do we want to trust these institutions with any more power, when they quite obviously cannot be trusted with that which they have?

The moral of this story is not just that the EU is morally corrupt, but that our own officials are quislings and turncoats who fail to stand up for the people who pay their wages.

Hat Tip Tim Worstall

Pour Some Sugar on Me

It might make great song lyrics, but its not good trade policy.

Sugar fell for a second day in London after the European Union, world's second-biggest sugar exporter, said it would export some of its excess stock and funds began selling in both London and New York.

The price goes down and farmers in poor countries suffer as a result. But that's the market right? Wrong. Each year, EU consumers and taxpayers foot a bill of €1.6bn to subsidise the over production of sugar.

Europe exports sugar at prices around 50 to 65 per cent less than the high prices guaranteed under the CAP - far below European costs of production.

So first they screw us and then the screw the poor. But don't worry its all in a good cause.

The aim of the common agricultural policy is to provide farmers with a reasonable standard of living, consumers with quality food at fair prices and to preserve our rural heritage.

So thats all right then.

What Has Europe Done.org

I came across this animation, by Europhile group The European Movement. Needless to say I wasn't convinced by there list of things that the EU has apparently done.

EU Transparency

Those of us who are keen to see more transparency in the EU should be happy with this story. It seems that some Commissioners don't want to keep anything from us.

New Blog

Devils Kitchen, the polite and well spoken blogger, has started a new blog. Called "The EU-nihilist" it promises to bring us the stories that the MSM can't be bothered with. Serf wishes him luck.

Why Bother to Report it

Forbes has the following report:

The European Commission would like to see the establishment of a single licensing regime for telecom content among the EU's member countries

The European Commission would like to see the establishment of a single licensing regime for every single sector it can think of. Thats what it is there for.

Lets Call it Rasputin

I used to refer to the Constitution as Lazarus, the man brought back from the dead. But I have changed my mind, Rasputin is more suitable.

It is a representative of the orthodox religion, it has a massive appetite, it aims to pervert the existing levers of power and is the subject of much controversy. Most of all however, the bastard just won't die.

Germany and Portugal, which hold the European Union presidency next year, are working to salvage key elements of the union’s constitutional treaty, rejected last year by French and Dutch voters, in time for a new text to come into force by March 2009.

Critically

The rescue operation is expected to produce a slimmed down treaty with a new name

Slap another label on it, and we will swallow it second time round??? I know that the public is gullible, but do they really think that its opponents will take it that lightly? Its already been stabbed, we plan to poison it, shoot it and drowned it in the river.

Prodi the KGB Agent

I don't know what to think about this story, but why is it being dismissed as nothing more than a conspiracy. The idea that Prodi worked for the KGB is being discussed on Right Links. The story is based on this statement from UKIP.

"Mr President, I should like to pay tribute to my constituent, Mr Alexander Litvinenko. Alexander was fearless in exposing the political gangsters that now run Russia, and the creatures of the KGB and FSB that still hold political office in Europe. For his bravery, he paid the ultimate price. In April, I made two speeches in this Parliament repeating allegations made to me by Alexander that Romano Prodi had been an agent of some kind of the KGB. Alexander told me that the key figure to understanding Mr Prodi’s alleged relationship with the KGB in the 1970s was a man named Sokolov, also known as Konopkine, who worked for TASS in Italy.

It is possible that this is nothing more than a EU Sceptic's wet dream, but can we really dismiss it as such. We know that the KGB have always sought to infiltrate Western centres of power. We know that Prodi is a Left winger and therefore potentially open to working with the Soviets. He was after all the source of information on Aldo Moro when he was kidnapped by left wing terrorists. I am not saying that the allegations are true, but rather than we have no reason to believe that they are not true. As Chameleons on bicycles says:

After Mr Litvinenko’s death and the contamination of his friend, Mr Scaramella, as well as numerous aircraft and sites across the UK, it deserves wider investigation.

How will we ever find out?

Good News on the Euro

What can he mean I hear you ask, is it going to disappear? Not quite, but it seems that the newer members are still well beyond the dead hand of the single currency.

None of the EU member states working towards euro entry meet all of the criteria to join the single currency yet, the European Commission said in a report.

Technically they are all obliged to join when they meet the criteria, though I find it hard to believe that a government that didn't want to couldn't find an excuse to postpone. So it is good that they are not in a position to throw away their economies just yet.

I hope that within a short period of time, someone will actually stand up and say that it would be stupid to join. That could break the sheep like tendency to just follow the flock.

A Eurosceptic In Brussels

I am completely bored with the EU today, so I will recommend you read David Webster's Blog, as he is currently getting to know the power base of the evil empire.

Propaganda

The Eu may be in the process of telling Turkey where to go, but it doesn't stop them wanting to spread their propaganda:

Lokum (A new book) is expected to be a useful tool in helping Turkish kids learn about and understand the European Union.

Wow lucky kids.....

The book is meant to convey to children an impression of cultural variety within the EU member countries.

Does it perchance convey the hatred that Brussels has for variety?

It also addresses the logic behind the establishment of the European Union.

Perhaps I should get myself a copy, thats something I have never understood.

Sarkozy in Presidential Bid Shock

Its a big surprise, but the shy and retiring head of the UMP wishes to make a bid for the French Presidency.

"I feel I have the strength, the energy and the desire to propose a different view of France," Mr Sarkozy said.

Unfortunately, he has the same old view of the EU.

More Football

The EU's latest imperial adventures in sport have come under attack.

The English Premier League's chief executive, Richard Scudamore, has criticised Caborn (sports minister) for trying to extend government influence over sport.

He has an even bigger point to make:

"The idea that the rest of European football can decide what is best for the English game is a nonsense, just as it should be down to the Germans, French, Italians, Spanish, Dutch, etc, as to how they run their leagues."

Poor Mr Scudamore has been sleeping for the past few decades. Its the EU's way, they are power crazed maniacs, get used to it.

Go Forth and Multiply

The image on the left, shows the extent of the demographic problems that we face in Europe. The majority of European countries have fertility rates that spell disaster.

Even worse, those with higher fertility rates such as France and the UK, enjoy such a status, because the least integrated immigrant groups have large families and in the UK's case at least, chavs have more than their fair share.

Another worrying aspect is the huge number of births outside marriage, which spells worse social problems than we currently suffer.

All in all, Europe is dying, and all the activity that takes place in Brussels and Strasbourg, is just rearranging deckchairs on the Titanic. I've done my bit, so now its up to you, go forth and multiply.

Graph Source

To Join or Not to Join....

That is the question:

The latest poll, taken by research firm Norstat for Norwegian Broadcasting (NRK), showed 48.3 percent of those questioned saying they don't want Norway to join the EU. Another 41.3 percent was in favour of EU membership.

This is a small decrease in support since last time. The interesting thing is that these polls are conducted all the time. Its almost as if the political class are waiting until the wind blows in the direction they want, before striking. After all they only have to be lucky once, their opponents need to be lucky always.

The EU Kills

Thanks to EU Referendum, I came across this excellent article; It's against the law for MPs to save lives.

Again and again, in the months of its (Road Safety Act) passage through Parliament, MPs of all parties came up with proposed additions to the Bill that might save lives. And repeatedly the transport minister, Stephen Ladyman, explained that, though he might be sympathetic to their suggestions, Parliament had no power to enact them because this would be in breach of EU law.

Because we have handed over this area of(in)competence to the EU, we cannot make changes in the law we think would be beneficial, for example:

Tory spokesman, Owen Paterson, put forward a proposal that might save scores of lives each year, by preventing motorists colliding at night with lorries that are inadequately lit.

But despite the moderate cost, and the proven effectiveness, the proposal had to be rejected. Which begs the question, what is the point of our representatives if they cannot pass laws that benefit those who vote for them.

EU Blackmail

I always wondered why the Swiss contributed towards the EU budget, despite not being a member. Stefan Karlsson has the answer, its some kind of a deal:

Calling it "a deal" is a bit misleading. It is more like blackmail............the EU told the Swiss: pay us a billion swiss franc per year, or we'll institute trade barriers that would harm the Swiss economy even more.

Nice chaps that run the EU, don't you think?

A Dummy's Guide to the EU

As I am always in favour of people finding out more about our benevolent masters, I thought that A Dummy's Guide to the EU was something that I should promote.

Ten Things I Would Never Do

I have been tagged by Sinclair, so here goes. I will never:

1. Sing the praises of Polly Toynbee
2. Carry an ID Card
3. Trust Gordon Brown with my pension
4. Buy a TV licence prior to getting threatening letters
5. Get Religion
6. Work in the Parasite Sector
7. Be a modern parent
8. "Understand" the root causes of ________ (insert crime of your choice)
9. Give up believing in individualism
10. Support the idea that the EU is reformable

As for tagging, if you want to be tagged, consider it done.

EU Sport Take Over

There is no end to the lengths to which the EU will go to increase its realm of power. Sport is the latest frontier.

EU and UEFA to agree a formal structure, with UEFA being granted official recognition as the governing body for European football.

That is really kind of them is it not, to recognise UEFA as the governing body for European football. After all, they didn't have such a position before did they. Oh just a second they did, so what is the point here?

Following are the main recommendations of the Independent Sports Review into how sport in the European Union should be run.

The EU is basically saying that UEFA is now an extension of EU law making powers. This means that EU laws will be adopted by UEFA. UEFA & EU members Kazakhstan, Israel, Armenia and Iceland will be very pleased. Imperialist scum, is the best way to describe the Eurocrats that control our very existence.

We Pay for Belgian Uncompetitiveness?

Belgian workers lose their jobs, due to the worthless Belgian version of the "Social Market". Next, we are asked to pay.

The European Commission has said the Belgian authorities cannot make use of the EU's new "globalisation fund" to help around 4,000 workers set to be fired due to Volkswagen's restructuring plans - but has suggested Belgium to use other available EU funds.

Why don't we suggest instead to the Belgians that they give up on job destroying socialism. It would save our cash as well as being more effective.

EU Consulates

It rears its ugly head again, despite being a part of the rejected constitution.

European citizens who lose their passports or fall foul of the law while abroad would be able to turn up to EU consulates under a plan to be put forward by Brussels.

They are determined to set up a foreign service, to further the foreign policy aims of the EU (ie to be completely ineffective wankers, but smile nicely). Why is this necessary, when it is usual practice for the citizens of countries visiting somewhere bereft of a consulate representing them, to have their issues handled by the consulate of a friendly nation. Won't we just get a duplication of effort?

Referendum

I was sent a link to an E Petition by the owner of the democracy forum an unofficial UKIP site. The petition asks:

The Prime Minister to Offer the British people a referendum on continued membership of the European Union

I was completely new to the idea of E Petitions, which are described as thus:

Downing Street is working in partnership with the non-partisan charitable project mySociety to provide a service to allow citizens, charities and campaign groups to set up petitions that are hosted on the Downing Street website, enabling anyone to address and deliver a petition directly to the Prime Minister.

I know it will make no difference, but it would be a moral victory if we could get a huge number of people signing.

Sinclair's Musings: A few reasons not to leave the EU

Sinclair's Musings: A few reasons not to leave the EU This is > a post by fellow Conservative blogger, Matthew Sinclair.

The idea, as expressed by a certain peer this evening on 18DoughtyStreet, that there is no case for not leaving the EU relies on a number of misconceptions.

I think he raises a number of important questions, but unsurprisingly disagree with his conclusions. Most importantly I don't think that the EU is remotely reformable.

The Reason for My Absence

Those of you who frequently visit this blog will have perhaps wondered at my absence. I am proud to say that the reason is that Serf has become a father, not once but twice. Mrs Serf is doing well, whilst Master & Miss Serf are doing their best to stop us sleeping. If I blog a little less than usual I hope you will understand. Master Serf Miss Serf May they grow up free.

Social progress is our Duty

So says the EU Employment Commissioner Vladimir Spidla, speaking after agreement could not be reached over working time. This really is an issue I struggle to get my head around. Take this:

Backed by four other countries, the U.K. blocked a proposal to hold more British workers to the EU's 48-hour workweek, championed by countries such as France and Italy.

Please explain to me why France and Italy should care about how long British Workers work? This is a subject which, forget EU level, should not be discussed at national level either. An individual's labour is his own, to do with as he chooses.

I can understand Europhiles when they talk about common action on the Environment for example, they might have a point. But to take away individual choice and give it to Brussels, is just tyranny.

News Flash, Consumers want Low Prices

You may find it unbelievable, but its true.

The European Commission will tomorrow release a Eurobarometer survey which shows that 70 pct of mobile users support intervention on roaming charges.

Seeing that 70 percent of mobile users do not regularly travel around the EU, one wonders why they care so much. But having said that, when faced with a pollster asking if you would like lower prices, who is going to say no? It proves nothing. Its also the cover the EU wants to interfere with the market, a process which is akin to a third person instructing two people having sex, as to which position they are allowed to use.

Cheers to the Germans

Bearing in mind the amount involved, it will only be a symbolic victory. However, in the area of tax, every victory is important. We are also talking about Beer.

Beer drinkers may celebrate Tuesday if European Union finance ministers fail to increase duties on alcohol, as looks likely, according to EU diplomats. "I don't think there will be a deal as the Germans won't move," an EU official said.

So Cheers to the Germans, and whilst we're at it, lets wish we had a government with the balls to stand up for whats important to us.

Developing policies for a post-EU Britain

Thanks to Colin for pointing this one out:

Developing policies for a post-EU Britain is a conference organised by the Bruges group, that some of you may be interested in.

Talk about Priorities

So the Iraqi Dictator will be strung up, hopefully it will be a painful death, though not everyone agrees with me.

The EU opposes capital punishment in all cases and under all circumstances and it should not be carried out in this case either. FINNISH PRESIDENCY OF THE EUROPEAN UNION

No doubt they think he should get a community service sentence.

It is well known that for a long time the EU has not been in favour of the death penalty. Obviously it is a penalty which is not provided for in any legal system in the EU or, of course, in our country. JOSE LUIS RODRIGUEZ ZAPATERO

And, your point is? Perhaps you care more for low life than you do for victims.

Ireland and its EU partners have made it clear in the past to Iraqi authorities that we are opposed to courts applying the death sentence. IRISH FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTRY

If your EU partners had taken a little more of the strain in ridding Iraq of that blood thirsty bastard, they might have listened a little more to you.

The EU is full of posturing PC idiots, whose outlook on life has not changed since they were conducting sit ins at university over some irrelevant cause or other. Saddam deserves nothing less than the rope, and you have to have your head where the sun don't shine not to see that.

Democrat of the Day

I particularly liked this one:

Countries that have already ratified the constitution should not have to ratify a second version of the document. Urmas Paet: Estonian Foreign Minister

Mr Paet presumably doesn't mind if an insurance company or estate agent changes a contract after he has signed it.

Who is Advising Ed Balls

I have just read one of the most stupid comments by Labour MP Ed Balls

In David Cameron we have the most anti-European Tory leader they have ever had,'' Balls said in a speech in London today. ``You cannot stand up for British interests by leaving the table, rejecting international collective responsibility, and withdrawing to the anti-European and extremist fringe.''

Whilst David Cameron has being wowing middle England, knuckle draggers like myself are finding it hard at times to bite our tongues. Is David really a Conservative? This means that at the next election, many right wingers might vote UKIP or not at all.

So along comes that man Balls to the rescue. The only people frightened by a "Anti European" Cameron, are loonies who wouldn't vote Tory anyway. As for people that Cameron risks loosing, statements like these might keep more of them on board.

Why is AK Party Pro EU

I have mentioned before, here and on other blogs that I think the EU is playing with fire in Turkey. They are helping the Islamist AK Party, to get rid of checks on their power. I am not sure why, but I tend to believe in the idea that, If it can be explained by stupidity, its probably not bad intent. Just a little example of what I mean, can be seen from the following reports. All of these are about the same EU report on Turkey's shortcomings:

The Times: A review of Turkish reforms due out next week will be critical of the state’s continued use of torture and its harassment of writers, according to a draft made public today.

So the issue is freedom of speech.

The Independent: Leaked excerpts from a crucial report, due to be published next week, reveal concerns over Turkey's drive to match European standards on freedom of speech, and highlight its refusal to open up ports to ships from Cyprus, which joined the EU in 2004.

So we can add the Cyprus issue.

Deutsche Welle The report will focus on the slowdown of political reforms since Turkey began accession negotiations last October. It will highlight the continued persecution of intellectuals and journalists for expressing views which are non-violent, but displeasing to the government in Ankara.

They agree with The Times.

Zaman Newspaper: EU criticism in the report included the Turkish Armed Forces’ continuing interfere in domestic and foreign policies, the Kurdish problem, the relationship between the state and religion, and continuing restrictions over freedom of speech.

Only Zaman has a different take on it. The put the Turkish Armed Forces’ continuing interfere in domestic and foreign policies as point number one. The others didn't even mention it. I am not saying that its not there (I haven't seen the report) , its just interesting the focus that different publications take. I wonder why?

Just so you know what I am talking about Zaman is a strong supporter of AK Party, whose pro EU interests are merely a cover for getting the Army off their backs. In 20 years time Turkey will be an Islamic country and the EU will be partly to blame.

A Scary Halloween

I don't find Halloween nearly scary enough, so I thought this picture might help.

Would Adam Smith have Approved?

In the USA, christians often ask the question, "what would Jesus do?" Those of us of a more secular bent, are however not much different. We frequently read commentators claiming that some political philosopher or other would take some view or other. The name of this blog even, is a case in point.

In a letter to the Herald, Alex Orr claims that Adam Smith would be a Europhile:

Our open single market established with the European Union involves more than 500 million people and allows for the free movement of goods, capital, services and people across that Union, something of which Adam Smith would undoubtedly have approved.

So is he correct, would Adam Smith indeed be cut from the same cloth as Ken Clarke? Read this and make your own mind up:

No regulation of commerce can increase the quantity of industry in any society beyond what its capital can maintain. It can only divert a part of it into a direction into which it might not otherwise have gone; and it is by no means certain that this artificial direction is likely to be more advantageous to the society than that into which it would have gone of its own accord.

A criticism of regulations, the very reason for the EU's existence.

Little Englanders All

Serf is not alone, many of his compatriots secretly think the same:

Some people have called for a referendum on whether powers over fishing, farming, rules and regulations, law-making and borders being returned to the British Parliament from the European Union. Would you support or oppose a campaign to hold such a referendum?

• Strongly in favour of such a campaign 45
• In favour 32
• Against 9
• Strongly against 3
• Do not care 11

So say the results of a You Gov poll (PDF) for the Speak Out Campaign Just a couple of things I want to point out here:

1. Almost noone is strongly against. Seeing as the result of such a referendum is almost certain to favour repatriation of powers, this shows a very tiny number of EU enthusiasts.
2. Even among Lib Dems, 37% were strongly in favour. How a eurosceptic can vote Lib Dem, I do not know, but there is obviously still a lot of work to do, to let Lib Dem voters know exactly what it is they are voting for.

Eurosceptics Roundup

The round up is up at the Devils Kitchen.

Is Turkey European?

Discuss..................................

What to do with the Plonk

I could have got rid of a reasonable amount of it, but they rejected my offer and are to open a tender.

THE European Union has opened a tender to sell off unwanted wine lakes in France to be used in industrial products.

So the next time you are cleaning your engine with industrial solvent, just think it could have started life as a bottle of wine. In a completely unrelated piece of news:

Tax on alcohol should rise to reduce binge drinking among teenagers, Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt has said.

Joined up Government anyone?

An Official Inquiry into the costs of EU Membership

How would you like to support the idea of an official inquiry into the costs of EU membership? Well now you can:

The Bruges Group wants you to join with us in the important campaign to force the Government to create an independent and official inquiry into the price we are paying to be members of the European Union.

Just go over there and follow the instructions.

Tough on Immigration

Our Glorious Leader, in the knowledge that his lies on immigration have been rumbled, has vowed to be much tougher this time. His tame Pit Bull has been telling the world that Romanians and Bulgarians, will not have the automatic right to work in the UK next year, unlike their more fortunate Polish counterparts. Thats the theory anyway. The reality?

EU law means the Government can’t stop people coming – so permits will only drive people into the illegal economy.

Read that carefully. Under EU law, all Romanians and Bulgarians have the right to come to the UK. The system to be put in place simply means that they cannot work legally. So my question to you is this: A Bulgarian who has been unable to find a job at home is now faced with an option

1. Stay where he is unemployed
2. Come to the UK and work illegally

Personally I would choose option number two.

Something which not enough people are aware of is exactly what free movement of people means. Open Europe spells out one very big problem with it:

While EU law allows the Government to restrict numbers coming to work for companies in the UK it currently forbids it from stopping dangerous criminals from entering the country, or deporting them if they commit a crime in the UK.

Seeing as crooks have more reason than most to wish to move around, this part of the law is a complete criminals charter. Probably in place to make a power grab in the area of justice much easier.

Hat Tip, Daily Pundit

Another Slogo Option

It doesn't mater how fast you chase the European Commission, you never catch up with the money. This fact can be expressed as EU = mc12, where EU is the immovable object, mc = mass corruption and 12 is the number of years that it has been impossible to perform a budgetary audit. Courtesy of The Anglo Saxon Chronicle

Dog Bites Man

Its not really news, but it is important:

European Union auditors are expected to highlight irregularities in EU spending for the 12th year running as they make their annual report.

Thieving bastards, since 1957.

Together

Sulking in the corner of Europe

Completely worthless comment from the Graniad on the subject of the EU:

Just ignore for one moment the pointless regulations, farce over the proposed constitution, and trade battles with the US. The EU has many faults, but José Manuel Barroso made some very good points in his Chatham House address.

Nice reasoning. Just ignore for one moment the holocaust, invasion of Poland , and his stupid mustache.........

You ask people to ignore the bad side of something whilst look at the good side? That said, he doesn't even lay out any advantages we have got from our membership.

I would go further and say that the UK's semi-detached stance vis-à-vis the union of which it has been a member for over 30 years is destructive for both the UK and Europe as a whole.

That, dear readers is the closest he gets to an argument in the entire piece. I think it has been bad, therefore it must have been. Like most Europhiles, his detailed knowledge is a little sketchy however:

When the UK is among those calling for more trade liberalisation, isn't it hypocritical for the (British) trade commissioner to be seen enthusiastically defending such a crude and unwarranted protectionist measure?

Its another reason to hate him, but he is actually doing what is expected of him Peter Mandelson is not a British Commissioner, so much as a commissioner who happens to be British. It is no more than his job description demands.

The Core

I know the constitution is a completely boring subject, but this story's headline caught my eye.

The European Commission is starting to take a position in the expected re-negotiations of the EU constitution, with communication commissioner Margot Wallstrom saying the "core" of the current text should be the "departure point."

So my rhetorical question is this:

Should a constitution have any parts to it that are not core, and if so what is the point of a constitution?

Fact Check: Video Blogging

A commenter by the name of factcheck, assures me that the post about video blogging contains an important error. factcheck gives us a quote from the draft:

non-economic activities such as blogs and other user-generated contents without an economic objective and all forms of private communication such as e-mails and private websites, do not fall within the scope of the directive.

So it seems that the media misrepresented it. However though I stand corrected, I still have a question concerning blogs. Does Guido Fawkes blog have an economic objective? How about Conservative Home, or even my humble offering with its Google pennies?

Then there is You Tube, which contains video diaries, takes ups of politicians, archives of internet TV channels as well as adverts. Some of these are commercial, some not. How will the rules work?

The quote can be found on page 13 of the following PDF document: Draft Regulation

Together Since 1957

To celebrate 50 years of European Union, we needed a logo apparently. So the EU held a contest and is now proud to show the winner:

Maybe its just me, but the logo seems incomplete. The word Forced, should come before together.

Perhaps someone more talented than me could have a go.

Make the European Union work better

His Excellency El Presidente Barroso, has a few words of advice for us Britons:

Mr Barroso said the UK could "drive from the centre or sulk at the periphery" He asked Britons to move on from the for-and-against Europe debate and concentrate on how to improve the EU.

Three things:

1. There is a third option of sticking our tongues out from outside
2. The for or against Europe debate has not been solved.
3. Like an out break of bird flu, the best way to improve the EU would be to eliminate it.

EU to Regulate Video Blogs

Being a shy and retiring type, I have not as of yet, posted any videos on this blog. If the EU gets its way, I never will.

The European Commission proposal would require websites and mobile phone services that feature video images to conform to standards laid down in Brussels.

They are upset that the changing nature of media is taking some of it out of their sweaty grip. It make sense that Internet Television should be treated the same as terrestrial, but typical Brussels, they want to control You Tube and Blogs as well.

Business See the Light

Once upon a time, big business was very Europhile. They saw the EU as an opportunity to grow their business. That has changed however, as this poll reveals:

New ICM poll of 1,000 businesses:

• 52% think the EU is “failing”
• 54% think EU over-regulation “outweighs” the benefit of the Single Market
• 60% think the UK should renegotiate to reduce its involvement in the EU to free trade only

This is excellent news, as a continuation of this trend would leave the EU very friendless indeed.

Unfit for Human Consumption

A small story about how regulations are more about power than anything else.

The European Commission has launched legal proceedings against the UK for allegedly failing to deal with hygiene problems at a Lancashire dairy.

Fair enough, I hear you say, if we are stupid enough to give up our sovereignty, we have to accept the consequences. Also if what they are selling is unfit for human consumption, then something should be done. But there is more to this than meets the eye. The story ends with the following sentence:

It (the company in question) has been forced to call in receivers, and will close on Friday.

So the EU wants to pursue legal action against the UK government for failing to apply EU law to a company that will close down tommorrow. Is this really a good use of resources? Can this really be about protecting consumers, or is it a turf war?

The French love the EU

We saw what the golden boy of the French Right had to say about an EU constitution. Now the golden girl of the French Left is giving her answer.

The European Union needs to become more transparent, socially conscious and environmentally friendly if it wants to move forward, French Socialist presidential frontrunner Segolene Royal said on Wednesday.

You'll find little argument over transparency from us, but socially concious? We already spend €600 Billion per year on unnecessary regulations. How much more would you have us waste?

The EU had to be a counterweight to the United States, she said.

Not in any way explaining why the USA needs a Socialist Empire as a counterweight, nor what the European Serfs would gain from such a thing. Why should she, its up to us to understand her wisdom.

The one thing that is clear however, is that come 2007, a win for right or left will mean nothing from our point of view. The French love the EU, and their politicians continue to tread the path to Euro Serfdom.

Inhuman

What would be your definition of inhuman? To the EU, executing a person who has raped, murdered and otherwise wasted innocent life, is the height of inhumanity. To me, it seems like the logical thing to do.

On the other hand, putting the political power of farming lobbies before the welfare of the world's poorest and most vulnerable people. That is what I would call inhumane.

It seems reasonable to regard the life of a defenceless child as more worthy than an evil taker of life. But then I am not as wise as the Eurocrats that rule our lives, so what would I know?

€600bn a year

Just try and get your head around that figure. Its enough to give €100 to every single person in the world. It could build so many hospitals, train so many doctors, that we could get medical check ups once a week. It could provide medicine to all of Africa's HIV positive population, for god knows how long. It might even be enough to finish the NHS computer system. So what are we really getting for that money?

The bureaucratic costs to business of complying with European legislation could be up to €600bn a year - almost twice original estimates - the European Union's enterprise commissioner admitted on Monday.

But who cares, being in favour of this monstrous stupidity is so much more sophisticated than asking questions.

Another Reason to Leave?

European Union 'faces TB crisis'

Drug-resistant strains of tuberculosis in Eastern Europe and central Asia are putting EU states at risk of a deadly outbreak, health officials have warned.

So the immediate question is, why are Norway and Switzerland not in danger, and can we solve the problem by leaving the EU? Or perhaps this is sloppy thinking by the BBC.

Swedish minister for European Affairs

The New Swedish Government has a sense of humour.

Cecilia Malmström, the MEP who organised a petition to relocate the European Parliament permanently to Brussels, has been appointed European affairs minister in the new Swedish government.

Europe ministers are usually chosen for their slavish devotion to all things federal. So can we expect a more sensible approach from the new Swedish Government on EU matters? Hat Tip: Miguel

What Would We Do Without Them

I wish to apologise to my readers for leading them astray. I have repented. The EU is very important and we couldn't live without it. I mean, what would we do without work like this. Are we not lucky to have such people working on our behalf, what would we do without them?

Screw You Sarko

Sarkozy, the golden boy of the French Right, thinks Europe needs a mini treaty. This would be in place of the constitution, which was rejected.

First, the mini-treaty should extend the scope of qualified majority voting in the Council and empower the European Parlia-ment to elect the commission president. It should respect the principle of subsidiarity and strengthen the role of national parliaments by adopting the EU constitution's proposed "early warning" system, enabling national legislators to challenge commission proposals. The mini-treaty should also create an EU foreign minister and increase participatory democracy, especially to empower groups of a million citizens or more to request that the commission make proposals in a specified area. Finally, if the mini-treaty were to confer a legal personality on the union this would allow it to participate in some international organisations as a single political entity.

It would have been easier to tell us what part of the constitution, the mini treaty would leave out. As it is, he seems to have just about everything covered. What he is trying to do, is simply rebrand the constitution, so as to bypass the electorate. Well Sarko, screw, you, we know you're game, and we will make sure that everyone else does too.

Blogger Roundup

The first in what we hope will become a tradition. The Inaugural EUsceptics Bloggers Round Up is up at the Devil's Kitchen. If you want to be included next week, send the devil a mail.

No question of Harmonising tax rates

No honest. They want to harmonise the tax system though, which is technically something else.

Plans to create a pan-European corporate tax system are to proceed despite opposition from some European Union countries, EU Tax Commissioner Laszlo Kovacs told the Financial Times in an interview published on Friday.

The idea is to create a group of countries that wish to do this and to forge ahead, ala Euro.

Aside from the fact that this is almost certainly a step toward tax harmonisation (it is certainly a prerequisite) I have another problem with this. Imagine that the tax system is set up by a meddling greedy idiot like Gordon Brown. Badly designed, with perverse incentives, it would normally be swept away following an election, or even restructured by its original designer.

This is design by committee however, and the chances of change later on is almost impossible.

Stamping on Consumers

In traditional style, the EU has agreed to make your shoes more expensive:

European Union (EU) member states on Wednesday struck a compromise deal to introduce controversial anti-dumping duties on Chinese and Vietnamese leather shoe imports.

Now you will still buy the same shoes, but they will cost you more. One thing caught my eye concerning the voting process:

Nine countries voted in favor of the two-year measures and 12 against, with 4 countries abstaining, European Commission trade spokesman Peter Power said. Under EU law, abstentions in such cases count as in favor of the proposal as they do not oppose it. Therefore the measures narrowly went through 13-12.

What a complete load of crap. Nine countries out of 25 are in favour, and yet the action passes. Where else in the world does an abstention count as a vote in favour?

Why is the UK Eurosceptic

I thought I would distill the argument down into numbers:

The most populous Member States received nearly two-thirds of the funds:

• €14.8 billion went to Spain,
• €13.6 billion to France,
• €12.3 billion to Germany,
• €10 billion to Italy and
• €8.7 billion to the United Kingdom.

While Spain was the largest recipient of funds for structural actions, France received the biggest share of agricultural expenditure. The biggest Member States were also the largest contributors to the EU budget in absolute terms: Germany, France, Italy and the UK financed nearly two-thirds of the total.

What's in it for us?

Naming & Shaming

In a stroke of genius, the chaps that deal with trade issues have come up with a creative way of tackling the issues of globalisation. They will name companies that make big profits. Amazing idea isn't it.

European retailers and manufacturers which fail to pass on to consumers their savings from cheap foreign imports and from moving production offshore will be named by Brussels.

Cigar chomping fat cats must be shaking in their boots. They have been found out.

The 2005 liberalisation of the textile market, which led to a surge in Chinese imports. “Prices fell in some member states and not others,” said a Commission official. “We are asking why this is the case.”

Now let me hazard a guess. Those countries where cost savings were not passed on are either, places where the cost of business is rising, or where the retail market is not competitive enough. In such a case, a manager who passed the benefits of globalisation on to his customers, would be in breach of his duty to shareholders.

Perhaps the EU should ask an alternative question. Why, despite all the talk of free markets, is there no real competition in so many countries? The dead hand of the state perhaps?

Impartial Wisdom

Former Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder is worried about the future of energy supply to the EU. So he thought he would share his wisdom on what should be done about it.

"It is in the interests of EU to build a close economic and political partnership with Russia," said Schroeder, .... Russia "is a huge market for the countries like France and Germany," and "the Europe needs the gas," Schroeder said.

Its nice to benefit from the impartial wisdom of a man of Gerhard's undoubted experience. We shall therefore stop worrying about the fact that with each passing day, Putin looks more and more dictatorial. We shall stop fretting about being completely dependent on a large, ill mannered, bad intentioned neighbour for our energy needs, not to mention the company that sells us the gas is allegedly a world champion in corruption and abuse of power.

But wait a minute. Perhaps the estemmed ex Chancellor has another reason for his pro Russian thoughts.

Free Movement of People

Within reason, I am in favour of freedom of movement. This is not within reason.

POLICE made a series of mistakes in the case of a beautician shot dead by her stalker at Harvey Nichols in London.

They were not the only ones. There should be a measure of quality control whe it comes to who we allow in and whether they can stay. Unfortunately EU rules don't permit such "discrimination".

REACH, Expensive, Unneccesary and On its Way

This week, the proposed system of chemical regulation is to be discussed in the European Parliament.

Reach is a great example of the kind of world that the greens want to create for us.

Producers and importers of chemicals, not authorities as is currently the case, will need to show that substances are safe before they can be placed on the market (reversal of burden of proof).

All chemicals will have to be proven to be safe. An impossible standard that will stop the production of many chemicals that have important contributions to our lives. It also means the testing of chemicals that have been used for decades.

I know the sociology graduates that populate the ranks of the parasite sector know nothing about industry, but they rely just as much on those horrible dirty industrial sectors as all the rest of us.

Regulation should always be based on sensible cost / benefit analysis, not utopian ideals. The fact that the EU always plumps for the latter is one of the biggest arguments against the EU being allowed to regualte anything.

Subsidising Danish Prisons

This is just bizarre.

One of the more curious recipients of European Union farm susbidies are Danish prisons. Seven prisons receive farm subsidies from EU for running the grassland and farms in and around prison lands.

This just goes to show how subsidies which are designed for one purpose, end up becoming distorted beyond recognition.

A "Wise" Group of Politicians

They will just keep on flogging that dead horse, the constitution.

Work on the EU constitution is to begin again in an informal manner when a "wise" group of politicians and officials from across Europe meet this weekend to see if they can come up with solutions to pull Europe out of its institutional impasse.

Ok, so wise politician is a difficult concept, but just imagine you were asked to come up with a list of such people.

The group also includes British ex-commissioner Chris Patten, former French foreign minister Michel Barnier, ex-German justice minister Otto Schily, former prime ministers Paavo Lipponen and Wim Kok of Finland and the Netherlands.

What do all these people have in common? The are all wild eyed federasts, the very antithesis of Wise. Chris Patten deciding on the future of Europe? Why am I not convinced. Just give it up, it'll save you the hassle of being voted down again.

The PKK, Terrorists?

The idea that an organisation that murders innocent people for political gain is called a terrorist organisation, should be fairly uncontroversial. Not everyone thinks so.

EU courts in Luxembourg could in Spring 2007 restart hearings on whether Brussels was wrong to brand the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) as terrorists

Which bit of Suicide Bomber don't these people understand?

Meeting Targets

Greece is currently unable to meet its targets for budget deficit, that Maastrict require of it. So what does one do? Well fiddle obviously:

Greece will revise upward its gross domestic product for the past six years by as much as 25 percent a quarter by including parts of its underground economy.

The fact that a government's ability to service its debt is not helped by unregistered economic activity is regarded as irrelevant. However, as the EU can't even sign off its own accounts, I guess they can't complain.

Eurosceptic Bloggers

If any of my fellow Eurosceptic Bloggers are interested, I have set up a mailing list for likeminded souls. The idea is that we can share ideas and stories, and maybe coordinate some actions. If you are interested, apply here.

Eat Less Fish

For decades, European fishing fleets have been subsidised to the hilt, enabling them to destroy the entire marine ecosystem. The Common Fisheries Policy is a classic case of the tragedy of the commons.

So, if we want the stocks of fish to be replenished, we just stop the subsidies and find a way to allocate ownership right? Not according to these chaps.

The conservation group WWF is calling on European consumers to think twice before they eat fish.

So now we consumers are to blame for the stupid and wasteful way in which the fishing industry is managed and we are to be punished for it, by not being allowed to eat fish.

CAP Reform

Now I am sure that you, like me, were under the impression that efforts were under way to decrease the cost of the Common Agricultural Policy, am spend the money on other priorities. You would be wrong.

The European Commission has released new figures showing that Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) spending jumped to a record €48.5 billion in 2005, up 11.2% over the previous year. By contrast, non-agricultural expenditure fell very slightly in 2005 to €56.3 billion.

So we continue to be screwed, at record levels, for something that is unneccesary, damages the environment and makes poverty worse in the third world.

Veto Safe, For Now

As expected, our veto on home affairs and justice issues was not given away. No bets on whether that state of affairs will be permanent.

An Open Letter to John Reid

We downtrodden Serfs, are watching with trepidation as members of her majesty’s Government are meeting with their counterparts in Brussels. It is being reported that our government, will be asked to give up veto power over issues of justice. If this were to happen, it would be nothing short of a disaster for the United Kingdom and those ordinary honest folk who comprise the majority of her population.

So before you consider even discussing the matter, please bear these points in mind:

1. It is completely unnecessary: Ostensibly, this move is being sold as a way to fight terror. Yet since individual terrorist acts are usually the work of UK based groups, who occasionally have links to people in far off countries, the EU is irrelevant. That is until Pakistan becomes a member of course.
2. It is completely over the top: Since September 11th 2001, the number of people arrested for terror related offences has been in less than 1.000, the majority of whom have been released without charge. In the meantime murders are running at 800 or so per year and violence is completely out of control. Throwing away our control over justice for the sake of terror, is a case of a very small tail wagging a very large dog.
3. Not Fit for Purpose: Having seen how difficult it is to run the home affairs portfolio in one country, centralising decision making for 450 million people has to be something approaching madness.
4. Our System is Superior: It may not be polite to mention it, but our common law system is fundamentally better than the continental alternative. Under our system, damaged though it is, the law is there to protect us, not as a tool for wielding power. As one of the arrogant elite, you may not agree, but ultimately this country belongs to us Serfs.
5. Mission Creep: Whatever they tell you that its needed for, the reality will look different further down the line. The one thing we know about the EU is that once powers are available, they are used.

This is not to say that we can’t help each other out now and again, or to share information, but to give up control of one’s house, in order to get help from one’s neighbour, is far beyond the realm of that which can be called reasonable.

Although we have little confidence in our justice system since your side took control, we have even less confidence in the wisdom of EU committees. So for all our sakes, and in the hope that David Davis will have the power to actually solve the problems in the home office, once we get you lot out, please do not say yes

Will The Bastards Do it?

The papers are all claiming that hard man John Reid is really a complete pussy. He wants to give up our veto on justice matters.

BRITAIN is ready to surrender its veto over European Union decisions on police and judicial matters in a dramatic policy change.

Will he or won't he? This is how it normally goes:

1. Wild eyed federast asks for powers
2. British government minister refuses point blank
3. Another federast asks again
4. Government minister looks into it
5. Opposition & Media kick up a stink
6. Meeting held, British Minister stands firm
7. Public forget the whole affair
8. Government caves in

Look for robust language tomorrow and a treachery at a later date.

Farm Subsidies

There is a website out there, that is doing a great public service and I wanted to bring it to your attention. Its called Farm Subsidies and it aims to inform the public of where their money is going to with respect to the Common Agricultural Policy. Please do go and have a look.

Something Good From Cameron

After months of looking nice and saying not to much, David Cameron has actually said something very sensible about the EU:

"Our key commitment is to get back for Britain our opt out from the social chapter," he responds. "It is through the social chapter that so much of this legislation is coming. It is all very well Blair going on in the European parliament about the failure of the European social model. He signed up to it."

Thanks to James Cleverly for the link.

Bad For Your Health; European Working Time Directive

By Guest Writer, Denis Cooper of the Campaign for an Independent Britain.

One of the great mysteries of our age is how Gordon Brown can spend so much more on the health service, yet to all appearances with so little benefit to patients. With budget deficits and the closure of wards and even whole hospitals, one might think that the economy had plunged into a deep recession and austerity measures had become the necessary order of the day.

As always there are multiple factors at work, but the one which has received minimal media attention - the classic "elephant in the room" which politicians of all parties prefer to ignore - is the effect of the European Working Time Directive.

It is not as if the government failed to see this coming. For example in early 2003 a Department of Health document, "Keeping the NHS Local - A New Direction of Travel" included an entire section entitled: "Why services may need to change – European Working Time Directive".

It was pointed out that

"While the European Working Time Directive (EWTD) already applies to the majority of NHS staff it will soon apply to doctors in training as well";

that

"The requirements of the EWTD for continuous rest periods, and the ruling of the European Court of Justice that time spent resident on call counts as working time, (the SiMAP judgement), mean that it will impact most strongly on services which require 24 hour cover. Currently much of this cover is provided by doctors in training. If working patterns stay the same, compliance with EWTD would imply a sharp rise in the number of doctors needed to run a 24 hour service. This would present real problems for many smaller hospitals with limited staff in individual specialties.";

and that

"Solutions initially proposed for achieving compliance with the EWTD – relying on massive increases in the medical workforce, or major reductions in the locations where 24 hour services are provided – were unrealistic."

In summary,

"This makes the EWTD a powerful force driving the NHS to look at how services are provided".

The government knew that perfectly well then, years ago; and yet the general public are still unaware that this is a major reason - perhaps the main reason - why, despite paying higher taxes to improve the health service, they now find that their local hospitals are under threat. Only now is this story beginning to find its way into the MSM.

From The Observer

From The Guardian

Of course nobody wants doctors treated unfairly, or worked to such a frazzle that they are unfit to look after their patients. But who is better placed to assess how our hospital system can be run efficiently and economically? The doctors and administrators who are supposed to be running it, or the bureaucrats in Brussels and the lawyers at the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg?

The EU Wants to Kill You

Of course you can interpret it some other way, but thats my understanding of this.

Self Regulating Lobbyists

A Polish Lawyer, runs her eye over the contrasting situation of Lobbyists in Warsaw and Brussels:

However, if I were a lobbyist and could choose whether to work in Poland or at the EU, I would already be on a plane to Brussels.

The reason?

The EU's take on lobbyists is essentially a gentleman's agreement on good conduct. It appears to assume that all players will abide by the rules, but requires some reporting for transparency and honesty's sake.

So the role of the world's sleaziest profession, is self regulating in the EU. Nice to know isn't it.

Not a Good Argument

One of the reasons that Turkey fails to convince the EU at its members' citizens that it should be able to join, is the really bad arguments of many of its supporters. This is a classic.

Turkey’s full membership to the EU is supported by all the Muslim countries. Many Middle Eastern countries, including Egypt and Palestine, have openly expressed their enthusiasm to see Turkey as a full member of the EU. Even countries like Syria and Iran, which are seen as “enemy” by the West, have stated that they would be pleased to be neighbor with the EU with Turkey’s membership, and that they supported Turkey in the membership process.

To which the only rational answer can be so what. Other Muslim countries want Turkey to join so we are obliged to act?

There are no Muslim representatives in the G-8 or among the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. To put it short, there are serious representation deficiencies in global governance.

Further weakening his argument. What this is effectively saying, is that he sees Turkish membership of the EU as getting Muslim representation at the top table. How is this going to persuade European who are frightened (obviously wrongly in his opinion) of 70 million new Muslim members.

EU’s rejection of Turkey on the ground that it is a Muslim country and reconstruction of the EU on the basis of Christian fanaticism will turn the much-expected miracle into impossibility, and in a sense, will justify how right the extremities such as al-Qaeda are. In this case, it will be a mere dream to think that the conflicts will be confined to Beirut, Baghdad or Ramallah.

Which sounds like a threat. Not the best way to convince sceptics is it.

And there is one final thing, he starts the article thus:

Almost all the unsuccessful politicians in many of the EU countries have recently been talking about the issue of Turkey’s full membership to the EU.

And then goes on to mention Sarkozy more than once. If Sarko is a failure, I wonder what a success looks like?

EU Wants its Money Back

We all know that some of the less scrupulous members of the EU are less than thorough with their controls on the spending of EU Grants. Normally we would expect such scandals from Southern Europe. However, the EU is asking for money back from the People's Republic of Northen Britain.

THE European Commission is demanding the return of more than £20 million in development grants paid out to the Highlands and Islands in the 1990s. The EU has found errors and problems in the way that many of the projects were handled between 1994 and 1999, and has asked for the £20 million claw-back as a penalty.

Now whatever I think of the EU, I think they are right in principal here. If the money has been wrongly spent, it should be returned. However, I would like the principal extended more generally...... Can we have OUR money back?

Prison Works

I am a little late in getting this up.

On Sunday a new front opened in the war against useless lefties. Its called Prison Works and is designed to be an answer to the abolitionists and pro criminals at The Howard League and Home Office.

Do pay a visit and lend your support.

Surprise, Surprise

What can I say. I was surprised to read today that the EU has missed its goal on getting more people into work.

EU leaders meeting in Stockholm in 2001 agreed that in 2005, at least 67 percent of people in the union aged 15-64 should be employed in order to finance rising pension and social costs due to an ageing population. But figures released by Eurostat, the EU's statistical office, revealed on Monday (11 September) that only 63.8 percent of EU citizens in that age group had a job in 2005.

Shocking isn't it. An organisation that focuses almost completely on tying up companies in red tape, has failed to increase employment. Perhaps a change of path is in order? I am sure that the approach of the "Doctors" in Brussels will be different. If its not working, ncrease the dosage.

German Reich the model for Europe

His Grace, Archbishop Cranmer is reporting that a German Minister claims that the first German Reich is the model for Europe.

Germany’s Culture Minister, Bernd Neumann, has voiced what some have suspected for decades: that Germany is creating the European Union in her image.

Even after this, sceptics like myself will still be called fantasists and conspiracy theorists. Its the Holy Roman Empire Folks, even if a little less than Holy and not particulary Roman.