As you know I have made no secret about my ownEuroscepticism.
It is in the country's interest to have a properlybalanced debate about our relationship with the European Union based onevidence rather than sentiment.
The Foreign Secretary William Hague is right to say thatthe immediate priority is to deal with the economic problems in the Eurozone.Many of these problems were predictable, with several countries failing to meetthe convergence criteria ahead of the introduction of the Euro, a problem exacerbatedby the unwillingness of European countries to ensure proper budgetarydiscipline amongst Eurozone members. How wise John Major now seems with hisrefusal to join the euro - a decision widely derided by the Labour Party andmany commentators at the time.
Economic stability in Europe is important for prosperityin the United Kingdom with 40% of our exports going to other EU countries. Aneconomically weak Europe would make recovery in the UK more difficult.
Politicians, however, should have no doubt that dissatisfactionwith the European Union has grown amongst the British people. I believe this isfor two main reasons. The first is the performance of the European Union itselfand the second is the perceived inability of British citizens to control theEuropean agenda.
The European Union is overly-bureaucratic with too muchwaste and corruption. The auditors have been unwilling to sign off the accountsfor years, a situation that would not be tolerated in business. Consequently itis expensive; with Britain contributing around £6 billion net a year. There isa lack of democratic accountability and extension into ever more areas ofpolicy. The most recent is on Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), wherethe Lisbon Treaty is being used as a backdoor mechanism to attempt to gain afoothold for the Commission in what should be an entirely sovereign area.
The excessive regulatory framework emanating fromBrussels makes Europe in general less competitive in the global context. Socialand employment laws simply add cost at a time when we need to create growth andemployment.
But the second reason why the British public aredisillusioned with the European Union is a more complex political one. Thosewho voted to join the Common market believed, largely, that they were enteringinto an economic and trading arrangement. They do not believe they gave theirassent to the concept of ever closer union and they fear that they are beingpushed towards a destination that they profoundly disagree with.
The issue of the European Union may not be at the top ofthe agenda of voters generally but I have no doubt that it remains a key issuefor both the governance and prosperity of this country.
I am glad that the Prime Minister has made clear that heshares a desire to reform the European Union. I do not believe that it isenough simply to pledge to give no further powers to Europe. There are areas ofpolicy which need to be renegotiated with a view to repatriation.
There is plenty of time for the Government to achievethis during this Parliament and many will want to help in that politicalprocess.
I do not believe that the measuresput forward in the House of Commons on Monday were a sensible way forward,which is why I voted against the proposal but I am equally sure that patienceon this issue will not be finite, either in Parliament or in the country.