In thinking about why I am so passionately pro-European and so keen to see the Lib-Dems play an increasingly important role I first reflected on how hard it is in the UK, even in 2008, to ‘come out’ as pro-European. The cloying effect of the anti-EU media, combined with still lukewarm (at best) UK government attitudes – “We are supportive of the EU so long as it does what we want” – makes it difficult to overcome the braying, usually inaccurate, stance of UKIP and other ‘Eurosceptics’.
So why be positive about the EU? Well, in my case, it may be in part because I was born in Llanllwchaiarn, a small village just outside Newtown in Powys, Wales. The Montgomeryshire constituency has, of course, a very noble history as a strong Liberal seat. However, because of the often sneering approach to Wales and things Welsh in the 1950s and ’60s I joined Plaid Cymru and campaigned for Welsh independence, not really hopeful it would happen but to strike a blow for disregarded non-mainstream people of the UK. Wales had been conquered by England a very long time ago, and then began a process of neglect and sidelining (despite the fact that the laws of Hywel Dda predated English similar laws and Wales had an extremely rich linguistic and cultural tradition, though struggled economically and had to rely on non-Welsh investors and entrepreneurs).
So, what has this to do with the EU?
From the 1960s, and a time spent in Italy, I began to appreciate that there are different ways of thinking, of doing and being, rather than just those of the UK. I strongly supported Ted Heath in what was an heroic and boldly successful application to join the EU. His was an important vision, one suspects crafted as a consequence of Heath being part of the relief of German concentration camps.
The real triumph was, though, that small nations, ethnic groups and other unconsidered minorities could gain influence within the EU and have their voice heard. Of course, there are probably valid complaints that the ‘big’ EU states have undue power but I believe that not only Wales but, more relevantly, the ALDE group in the European Parliament that UK Lib Dems so strongly influence do ‘punch above their weight’. This opportunity to promote different ideas, to join like-minded groups and individuals from other states, and to seek and then cement common values, is something unique to the EU.
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