Crosswords11 mins ago
Tory policy on EU Lisbon Treaty referendum
Just read this in the Telegraph, and I am struggling to understand the logic of Cameron's policy.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/david-cameron/6246453/EU-David-Cameron-hints-Tories-would-not-hold-referendum-on-ratified-Lisbon-Treaty.html
"Mr Cameron has repeatedly refused to say what he will do if he comes to power with the treaty ratified, saying only that he will “not let matters rest.”
In an LBC radio interview, the Tory leader said that if the treaty is ratified, “new circumstances” will apply, suggesting a new Tory policy will be needed.
"If this treaty is still alive, if it is still being discussed and debated anywhere in Europe, then we will give you that referendum, we will name the date during the election campaign, we'll hold that referendum straight away and I will lead the campaign for a No," he said.
"Now, if those circumstances change, if the Germans ratify, if the Poles ratify, if the Czechs ratify, if the Irish vote Yes to the treaty, then a new set of circumstances [apply], and I will address those at the time."
He seems to be saying if everyone else has approved the Lisbon Treaty, then so will he, but if anyone else fail to approve it, he will hold a referendum and campaign against it.
If I have understood it correctly, is that pragmatic or cowardly?
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/david-cameron/6246453/EU-David-Cameron-hints-Tories-would-not-hold-referendum-on-ratified-Lisbon-Treaty.html
"Mr Cameron has repeatedly refused to say what he will do if he comes to power with the treaty ratified, saying only that he will “not let matters rest.”
In an LBC radio interview, the Tory leader said that if the treaty is ratified, “new circumstances” will apply, suggesting a new Tory policy will be needed.
"If this treaty is still alive, if it is still being discussed and debated anywhere in Europe, then we will give you that referendum, we will name the date during the election campaign, we'll hold that referendum straight away and I will lead the campaign for a No," he said.
"Now, if those circumstances change, if the Germans ratify, if the Poles ratify, if the Czechs ratify, if the Irish vote Yes to the treaty, then a new set of circumstances [apply], and I will address those at the time."
He seems to be saying if everyone else has approved the Lisbon Treaty, then so will he, but if anyone else fail to approve it, he will hold a referendum and campaign against it.
If I have understood it correctly, is that pragmatic or cowardly?
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If the treaty is ratified and in place it's going to be almost impossible for him to do something about it but he can't say that to all the Europhobes.
"Not letting matters rest" can just mean that it goes into the long list of European reforms he wants to press for - it's a way out.
In reality if you sit down and look at it the difference between Labour and Tory policies are surprisingly small.
Both say that there is a need to pay back deficit by cuts ( and imply tax increases but that's under the radar a bit right now) - there is an issue of timing.
The Tories are more EuroSkeptic - but there's not a lot of firmness there.
Both are generally supportive of Afghanistan.
Otherwise right now there doesn't seem to be a lot between them.
Maybe that's why there's all the talk of "Instincts" and the like
"Not letting matters rest" can just mean that it goes into the long list of European reforms he wants to press for - it's a way out.
In reality if you sit down and look at it the difference between Labour and Tory policies are surprisingly small.
Both say that there is a need to pay back deficit by cuts ( and imply tax increases but that's under the radar a bit right now) - there is an issue of timing.
The Tories are more EuroSkeptic - but there's not a lot of firmness there.
Both are generally supportive of Afghanistan.
Otherwise right now there doesn't seem to be a lot between them.
Maybe that's why there's all the talk of "Instincts" and the like
I'm pro Europe Gromit that's why I'm anti EU, but this is just one of many areas, I don't know of anyone who agrees 100% with their party.
This latest "treaty" is just the crushing of any resistance to Subjugation started by the treacherous Heath, and continued by other leaders since, yes even the great MrsT played her part but I think she would have realised her mistake and stopped. Pity we have the blind gutless tw&ts we do have to choose from. Believe me I'm not a Cameron fan, he just happens to lead the lesser of two evils at the moment. Still I guess the Europhiles will rejoice in the streets when President Tony is sworn in!
This latest "treaty" is just the crushing of any resistance to Subjugation started by the treacherous Heath, and continued by other leaders since, yes even the great MrsT played her part but I think she would have realised her mistake and stopped. Pity we have the blind gutless tw&ts we do have to choose from. Believe me I'm not a Cameron fan, he just happens to lead the lesser of two evils at the moment. Still I guess the Europhiles will rejoice in the streets when President Tony is sworn in!
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