The British Minister for Europe [David Lidington]
Gave a speech in Berlin
on 25 June 2014.
Mr. Lidington’s
speech elaborates on the relationship between the National
Governments and the EU Commission and the EU Parliament.
Below are five
sentences from the speech which have significance for the
democratic standing of British Citizens in the EU.
1. We must recognise that
it is national systems which enjoy greatest legitimacy with
voters.
2. We need to work within
the grain of what people understand.
3. And that is why we agree
with those who are calling for a greater role for national
governments in the Council and for national parliaments in
the EU’s functioning.
4. National parliaments
have significant expertise to bring to the legislative
process, ensuring
outcomes that are more relevant to communities by involving
those who know them best – their
representatives.
5. National parliaments
have a positive role to play, both sharing their expertise
with EU institutions and helping
citizens to feel connected with the EU.
Comment –
How can the British National Government claim to speak in the interest of all the British Citizens?
How can the British National Government claim to speak in the interest of all the British Citizens?
Concerning this 'positive' role national
governments should play, the British Government sets a
very poor example in refusing its citizens full
representation, including their national right to vote
after they have lived 15 years in other EU member
countries.
How is this helping such expatriate
British citizens feel more connected with the EU,
particularly if after 15 years they have no voice in
any future referendum on UK membership?
A fuller quote including these five
sentences and the full speech can be read via
this link
What you should do – Send this to
politicians in Westminster.
Addresses of politicians are found…
