Disqus - Latest Comments for James

Re: English Euroscepticism | Martin Stabe

James — Wed, 19 Jan 2005 07:43:00 -0000

Martin, I think you and I have reached the same conclusion. There are actually three logical, and intellectually consistent, positions in this debate: A) Pro-European and a British federalist; B) Nationalist (English, Scottish or Welsh) and Eurosceptic; or C) Pro-independence and pro-European. This third position is adopted by the SNP, which would keep an independent Scotland within the EU.

The one realistic inconsistent position is, as you say, to support a supra-national British project but oppose a supra-national European project - the position taken by the large majority of 'British' Eurosceptics.

Re: Nominate UK political blogs | Martin Stabe

James — Mon, 24 Jan 2005 04:11:10 -0000

LibDem Blogs
Nick Barlow (LibDem)
Jonathan Calder (LibDem)

Independence (Scottish National Party)
The Skakagrall (Scottish National Party)

Re: Referendum franchise revealed | Martin Stabe

James — Thu, 27 Jan 2005 03:02:01 -0000

Martin, after all their complaints, the anti-Europeans won an important victory by excluding EU citizens living in Britain. I know that they had been worried that Blair would include them to tip the balance. And to think that Spain wanted to exclude Brits for fear that they might tip things the other way! (Naturally, I believe that EU citizens living in another EU members state should have been included in the vote.)

Anyway, in fact Irish citizens will not be the only European citizens entitled to vote in the referendum. As it happens, the provisions will also allow two other groups of European citizens living in Britain to vote by virtue of the Commonwealth citizenship: Maltese and Cypriots. However, unlike Irish citizens, neither group will have a second vote as both the Maltese and Cypriot goovernments have confirmed that they will not put the treaty to a referendum.

Re: BBC EU coverage criticised | Martin Stabe

James — Fri, 28 Jan 2005 05:35:45 -0000

You might also want to read the post by Toby over at Straight Banana on the way in which the BBC covers the EU.