Author Archives: Ben Jones

Opinion: Nick v Nigel – Cheer up Liberal Democrats (and other pro-Europeans)

Farage cleggSome Liberal Democrats, and other pro-Europeans, seem to be rather down about the outcome of the Nick v Nigel debate. Certainly it is depressing to see your fellow citizens support a man who professes admiration for Vladimir Putin. But Nick Clegg really was up against first-class populism on Wednesday night. Farage dropped every conceivable fear or concern about the modern world at the door of the European Union. Would you like an end to war, waste, politicians, people speaking foreign on the train and every problem the outside world bothers …

Posted in Europe / International and Op-eds | Tagged and | 37 Comments

Opinion: The Liberal Democrats must lead re-engagement with Europe

Who killed the EU treaty? Was it pre-meditated murder or manslaughter? Some say David Cameron wielded the knife. It is suggested that he went to Brussels with every intention of wrecking the treaty. It was politically impossible for him to deliver his party, regardless of concessions. On this charge, the Prime Minister is either hero or villain, depending on which side you are on.

For others, the crime is one of gross negligence. The list of failings is long and painful; the side-lining of diplomats in the Foreign Office in favour of Treasury officials, a 4am “take it or leave it”

Posted in Op-eds | Tagged , and | 8 Comments
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  • Judy Abel
    @Veronica I couldn’t agree with you more. So much environmental harm done just to save around 35 minutes on a railway journey is actually awful, not forgettin...
  • Judy Abel
    @Tristan - yes I am sure we could have used our oil money more wisely! On the water issue, sewage discharges have gone up massively - this is partly down to po...
  • Tristan Ward
    @ Judy Abel "sovereign wealth fund" Yes I've long thought Britain missed a huge opportunity there. I don't know how much (if any) of the oil tax revenue...
  • Judy Abel
    @Tristan. Norway created a sovereign wealth fund from its oil revenues which could have bee done in the UK to support public services - but no the money was squ...
  • John C
    Donated....