Gary's views

Gary's weekly views

Each week an article by Gary has appeared in the Plympton Plymstock and Ivybridge News in South West Devon. The articles are published here

Time for a Referendum

Like many people in Devon my wife and I occupy a house full of domesticated animals. They’re a joy to have around (apparently) but they can cause problems – especially when it comes to going on holiday.

Dogs and cats can’t just be left in a house alone. You need to get a house sitter. This would be someone of your choosing and someone that you trust. If you trust them then you can leave them to get on with the job. You don’t expect them to be on the phone everyday consulting you on how they are looking after the house. On the other hand, if your house sitter wanted to hand over control to another, you would expect them to check that with you first.

Politics is pretty similar. People elect their MPs and they expect them to make good decisions on their behalf. They don’t expect or want to be consulted by means of a referendum on every little issue of policy. It is just not how we do things in this country.

Unless we are handing over our power to another, that is. I firmly believe that the European Constitution is an issue where people do need to be consulted.

If the EU constitution comes into affect then Europe will gain a powerful President and a European Foreign Minister. Recent events have shown how differently Britain thinks about international issues then France or Germany – but yet Britain would lose the right to set her own foreign policy.

Home affairs would also be drastically affected. Under current proposals, Britain would not be able to set our own immigration policy. Brussels would dictate exactly who can and cannot enter the UK.

Perhaps some of you think that these changes will be desirable. A referendum would enable you to make that clear. Many of you would not welcome these changes. A referendum would be the only way for you to get that off your chest.

It is true that referenda are not a huge part of British tradition, but they have been previously held in cases of constitutional change. If the people of Hartlepool are given the choice of whether or not to have a locally elected mayor, I can’t help thinking that the people of Devon deserve a referendum on whether or not they want to move several steps closer to a European Superstate.

Or do you want the house sitter to make this important decision for you?
Feedback please on mail@garystreeter.co.uk

posted by Nigel on Monday, October 27, 2003