Why we must stay in
Europe
It was a big day. The first of
January 1973, when we formally joined what was then called the European Economic
Community (EEC). I wonder how many people remember the 40th
anniversary of the moment – a Ted Heath with laughing shoulders moment – when
the then Conservative Prime Minister signed us up, lifting his cap to the
French hilariously in their own language. “Nu sommes tray tray herruh detre
party de la marshay comah”.
If you’ve not heard of him, yahoo
Ted Heath. He was a wonder on stilts, loved his music and was good with sail
boats of all kinds. Bit grumpy sometimes but good at what he did, when he
applied himself. Three-day week. We loved it.
Talking of sailing, of course,
there has been much water sous la pont since then. Forty-two years and still
counting.
I suppose we must ask: ‘What have
the Europeans ever done for us’? John Cleese in the guise of an advanced zealot
could tell you [‘Life of Brian’ – if you haven’t seen the film, see it!].
What indeed? Nothing really. Apart
from the Working Time Directives and the Social Charter, the one stipulating
that we really do not have to work more than 48 hours a week, legitimately, for
our employers; the other making the whole concept of Care possible and
worthwhile?
Hmmm…but we might have coped in
both quarters pretty well on our own without being European Members. N’est ce
pas?
Alright then, what else has Europe
done for all of us? Well, apart from seed-funding thousands of EU Member
infrastructure projects making it possible for other countries to grow their
trade base and do business with us; not much else. Oh… Apart from Human Rights
Charters, Agricultural policies; massive leverage in global decisions;
oversight and insight, and sharing in each other’s nascent and actual problems;
mutual understanding, appreciation and the development of twinning, the
exchange of food and cultural activities, sharing and co-funding of Art, Architecture,
Acting and Archaeology – before even we get to the second letter in the
alphabet. Apart from making it possible to join our mutual military might so we
could play boots on wings to do some selective rooting out of such problems as
exist currently in the Middle East. Apart from presenting each other with
leadership and a few more shoulders to cry on as well as to support us.
Crikey,
I’m running out of words to describe this behemoth.
I should add, submissively, that I
am massively proud to be English, Scottish and an eighth Japanese; and European
to my follicles. Yes, I know these are difficult times but I am sadly pleased
that so many people are upset by the biblical exodus of so many others in
search of a warm hearth and hospitality – who need a bit of TLC and plenty of
shelter.
Are we not lucky with our troubles,
and foolish with our hopes? Are we not fortunate enough? If we want more of
what we have for ourselves, and should we get it, would it not be like the
froth of a cappuccino, drunk in a breeze? Easy to refill if you have the coin.
But I digress; it’s often the way
when you have the privilege of time to think, rather than the rat of now and of
need gnawing at your stomach. The tears of children elope into the middle
distance on our European tellies. Pour quoi? Ce n’est pas necessaire, je crois.
Europe can solve it and I believe it will.
copyright Giles Emerson: 22
December 2015
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