Europe, May 22nd: What's the Fuss?

As many of you may have heard, May 22^nd is not only the date of the UK’s local elections, but the 2014 European elections as well. For many, this is a hot topic, and something of huge significance. However, the cynics amongst us may say, 'Why bother?'

 

After all, it’s not like Europe directly affects us anyway. We’re 'Great' Britain, we don’t need them... Or do we?

'Who are you?'

 

Here’s a question for you. The strapping, fine specimen of a human being shown above; who is he? Go on, think about it. Any ideas?

Well interestingly, MEP Nigel Farage was equally baffled as he attacked Van Rompuy – ex Belgium prime minister and president of the European Council- shouting, “Who are you? Who are you?” Farage followed this with the statement that Van Rompuy has “the charisma of a damp rag and the appearance of a low grade bank clerk”.

This outburst raises two important points.

      1.    .  How exactly did Farage get his job?

      2.      There is a lack of stimulus within UK politics for the public to get involved with the rest of Europe.

You see, whilst Britain is a part of Europe, we kind of hide it. The news rarely approaches European politics, and when it does, it is from the position of an outsider. This is interesting, especially when one thinks of how Britain first joined the European community in 1973. Yes, the European Union wasn’t formed until 1993, but this is merely an evolution of the Single European Act of 1978 in which Europe became “an area without internal frontiers in which the free movement of goods, persons, services and capital is ensured”.

So why is it Britain continue to sit in the closet when it comes to our relationship with Europe. It has been forty one years now…

So why exactly is May 22^nd important?

Well you see, this our opportunity to really become involved with Europe. This date is when we as a country, we have to make a decision. Do we bury our heads in the sand when it comes to the importance of Europe, or do we become a pro-active member of the community?

So here are some of the reasons to really think about it and get involved:

      

·         The European parliament acts as co-legislator on most EU laws; it’s our means of acting on laws in Strasbourg/Brussels.

UKIP have a made a habit of arguing how Strasbourg and Brussels are controlling us, making laws about which we have no say. Well, with people like Farage as our MEPs, individuals who do nothing but attack the rest of Europe rather than get pro-actively involved it’s no surprise. EU laws are made to benefit a European community, no wonder we feel they’re not benefitting us when as a country we stand in a corner and insist we’re better.

·         European Parliament plays a role in the creation of rules and regulations by which trade within Europe takes place.

Europe is the world’s largest single market. In getting involved we’re able to negotiate a streamlined, singular regulation rather than having to comply with a cornucopia of different regulations. England on its own would take the role of an outsider, the red tape would only get thicker when we as a country have no say on how it’s cut!

·         CONTROVERSY! Free right of movement for EU citizens.

Contrary to popular belief, this is not to blame for everything wrong in the country. We’re in a recession, the minimum wage is a joke and nobody in the UK wants to work in certain roles. This is not the fault of free movement throughout Europe. It’s easier to pick an outside enemy than face the facts. Take the treatment of the Jews throughout Germany in the Second World War. People are disillusioned with politics and unhappy with the state of the country. To give the population a common enemy is the easiest way to make a name for yourself in this climate; it doesn’t help the underlying issues however.

In fact, free movement within the EU has numerous benefits. It allows our economy to keep functioning as migrants take the jobs nobody else is willing to take.

It also allows fresh opportunities within Europe for many British people. Take university ERASMUS for example. British students get the opportunity to study or work abroad as part of their degree.

We don’t think of these benefits however, we’re too great to benefit from the rest of Europe… oh no, they just sponge off us!

·         Eurovision!

Come on guys! We’ll never win Eurovision unless we play along! Everybody knows it’s just about politics anyway, perhaps if we get involved in Europe we may actually win one day!!!

Fucking foreigners... Their roads even killed Diana!

 

That’s not to say Europe is perfect. No; far from it. It needs work, and it needs our country’s full commitment to make it work. I guess that is what this article is about. I’m not trying to say Europe’s the best; that we should all marry a Frenchmen (or women), and give our children names like François and Pierre. No, we are British, and that is important.

This is about getting involved. As I have said before, up to now we've been in the closet about our relationship with Europe. It’s time to swing open the door and join the party, recommend a few choice tracks and get everybody twirking along with us.

UKIP argue that we have no say as to what goes on in Europe. Well, when you publicly abuse them and refer to their members as “non-countries” it’s no surprise. So that’s why everybody should think about their votes in the European elections. Surely it’s too soon to turn our backs on the rest of Europe when up until now we've hardly got involved.

After all, if all we are willing to do is throw a big Farage about the whole thing, can we ever expect any change for the better?

So that’s what this article is about. Getting involved…

Who knows, it might actually do some good!

Shaun Beale