We still want a referendum
A new ICM poll found that 70 per cent of voters want a future Conservative government to hold a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty even if it is already in force. The poll also found that 40 per cent want Britain to leave the EU altogether and 58 per cent believe individual states should take more decisions.
Backing for Czech check
A recent poll showed that 65 per cent of Czechs support their President Václav Klaus’ decision not to sign the Lisbon Treaty. Yet a German MEP, social democrat Jo Leinen, has called for Klaus to be impeached if he does not ratify it. The German media are waging a massive anti-Czech campaign. These are illegal interventions in the internal affairs of a sovereign country. The Czech Republic is wary of the Lisbon Treaty because it cannot forget that German bullying of the Czechs at Munich in 1938 led to a world war.
The Munich tradition lives on
As at Munich 60 years ago, the French government has joined in the bullying. French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said, “I believe we ought to keep a firm hand since everyone has already voted, including the Czech Republic.” That will be news to voters in Britain and other countries who were promised a referendum, but denied a vote once EU leaders saw that they would lose. According to the only independent poll of all 27 EU member states, 75 per cent of voters across Europe, and a majority in every country, want a referendum on the Treaty.
Forced learning on the curriculum
The European People’s Party in the European Parliament says there should be compulsory classes on the EU for 14-year-olds in all member states. Portuguese MEP Mario David wants cross-party support and hopes for EU studies in schools within two years.
Monster trucks
The EU is preparing to allow 60-ton foreign “mega-lorries”, a third longer and heavier than those currently allowed, onto Britain’s roads. The European Parliament could adopt the regulation in early 2010.