"We are out in the cold because of the whims of the more Europhobic backbench Tories" - Catherine Bearder, MEP for SE England (Canterbury & Whitstable Liberal Democrats)

Canterbury & Whitstable Liberal Democrats <info@cantlibdem.org.uk>

"We are out in the cold because of the whims of the more Europhobic backbench Tories" - Catherine Bearder, MEP for SE England

December 15, 2011 2:00 PM
By Catherine Bearder MEP

Catherine Bearder I thought I would offer some thoughts on how things are as a Liberal Democrat Member of the European Parliament in the wake of David Cameron's disastrous decision last week.

It's clear the UK has been left to stand like naughty schoolboys outside the classroom, while all other member states forge ahead for a greater economic union. We are out in the cold because of the whims of the more Europhobic backbench Tories. Now there is a genuine danger, as Vince Cable has pointed out, that we could be relegated not just to a second tier of European countries, but shunted to a third on our own. No solidarity with our neighbours, no say.

We have a right to feel aggrieved. Not even Margaret Thatcher bailed out and allowed other European nations to make such big decisions without the UK's involvement. Mr Cameron was not unreasonable to be claiming to protect Britain's best interests, but in walking away from the table he did the exact opposite. And, in doing so, left a bad taste in the mouth of other European leaders.

Having withdrawn the Conservatives from the European People's Party political grouping in the Parliament before the last European elections, Cameron was left without any clear idea of the feelings of other key governments before last week's summit… and some are more than a little fed up with making concessions to the UK. Meanwhile, one wonders if the City of London is happy with the decision. Now institutions will have to adopt legislation agreed by the 26 other EU states if they want to continue trading within Europe, but the UK will have no say in making it!

But my concern is how the last few days have been used as a springboard for a group of Eurosceptics to attempt to stamp all over the European ideal. They do not appreciate or understand the value of Britain's involvement in the EU. There are big issues we must tackle together.

The environment is a great example - only last week the EU, represented by the one skilled Environment commissioner - as Chris Huhne has acknowledged - put up a strong united front during climate change talks in Durban. It showed the power and benefits of effectively working together with our European partners. We had Connie Hedegaard negotiating around the table, not 27 ministers - and this was recognised by China and India.

We cannot allow David Cameron's actions of the last few days to jeopardise this kind of fruitful and positive work.

As I said on the BBC on Friday: "It is time for those of us who support Europe, who welcome the freedoms and rights it has guaranteed us, to stand up and be counted."

So, where does this leave the coalition? It is now even more important than before that the Liberal Democrats remain in Government. There is a huge job of getting the country back on its feet and we have a key role to play in that. But one thing is coming through loud and clear: British business is not safe in the hands of the Conservative Party.

My hope is there will be a slow realisation from the Conservatives that we should be back at the EU negotiating table. Yes, make clear our concerns, but also help develop a treaty which is better for the businesses and citizens of the European Union.

This is what I and my Liberal Democrat colleagues will be doing in the European Parliament over the coming months.