Tory policy on EU Lisbon Treaty referendum

[Gromit]

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?

[R1Geezer]

I don't see what's so tricky Gromit? If it was your lefty mates saying it you'd ne sayin how sensible it was to react to the landscape as it is when it's time to react rather than trying to give a prediction from now.

[R1Geezer]

The real reason is the it's is Tory policy at the moment to not have a policy on lots of things. Essentially the Tory's are keeping as schtumm as possible because they have figured out that they will win the next election hands down unless they screw up badly.

[Gromit]

Geezer, if you read the link, if the Tories will not offer a referendum on Lisbon, will that not re-open the divisions within Cameron's own party and how is that then any different from what Labour are offering?

[R1Geezer]

At no point has Labour said they are having a referendum. The Tories are promising one if the matter is still undecided when they are in power. I think that's pretty clear.

[jake-the-peg]

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

[jake-the-peg]

Think the matter will be pretty much decided by Moday Geezer.

Most Polls seem to be 49%-53% yes and thirty something No

Czechs will ratify after Ireland - French and Danes ratified last year

[Gromit]

R1Geezer

It is generally expected that the Treaty will be ratified before the Tories come to power, so Cameron is saying he will follow the same policy as Labour. Not much of a choice for you Euro haters is it?

[R1Geezer]

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!

[Gromit]

You are a pessimist R1Geezer.

There will not be a President Tony. He is even more hated in the rest of Europe than he is here.

[Gromit]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8285828.stm