OpEd - SubScribe14

The commentators 27-06-14

...on Britain and Europe

In Europe all Mr Cameron’s work follows a familiar narrative arc. First he devises a demand that he has no hope of realising and then proceeds to shout it out loudly, as if he were an Englishman abroad talking to foreigners who do not understand. Then, when he is forced to veto a fiscal compact that did not even apply to the UK, or when he makes inevitable the appointment of a president he doesn’t want, he pretends that his recalcitrance is a virtue that he meant all along.
- Philip Collins, the Times

David Cameron has proved a lot better at principle than he is at fudge. His position is strong and simple: he wants a reformed Europe, and wants that Europe to make its best offer direct to the British public. The result is something the Tories have not had for a generation: a European policy that is clear, effective and popular – and might actually work.
- Fraser Nelson, Daily Telegraph

The European Parliament’s grandstanding appears set to saddle the EU with a lameduck chief executive. It will weaken the European Commission’s power and strengthen the hand of those yearning for looser ties to the EU. Mr Cameron should have no reason to feel ashamed if, as expected, he ends up on the losing side this afternoon. Unlike many other EU leaders, the Prime Minister is not afraid to show his determination to fight for his country’s national interests.
- Macer Hall, Daily Express

Cameron is paying too much heed to the wrong people. He should be asking why business chiefs believe so firmly in the EU. What do they see that the Eurosceptic Conservatives, and Nigel Farage and his cohorts at Ukip, do not? He should appreciate as well that the corporate chiefs are not political. It’s not as if they’re committed to Labour or the Lib-Dems. If they are anything they’re Tories, but they still favour the EU. Why?
- Chris Blackhurst, Independent

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Stevie Spring

The annual Editorial Intelligence comment awards were officially launched yesterday with the announcement of the seventy-strong panel of judges to be led by Stevie Spring, chair of Children in Need.
They include Lorraine Heggessey, Nihal Arthanayake, Karren Brady, Damian Barr, Lynne Franks, Nicky Gavron, Laura Kuenssberg, Adrian Monck and Kirsty Lang.
Anyone is invited to nominate their favourite commentators for the awards, which are divided into 16 categories. There is no charge for entry.

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