In days gone by, the electorate knew what each of the main parties stood for. The differences have become more nuanced now, but one area where they do still remain is Europe.
Although one of the main advocates of the UK's entry into the then European Communities was Conservative Prime Minister Edward Heath, the Conservative Party has over the past three decades become more and more 'eurosceptic'. However, there are notable exceptions, and this has led to an ideological divide within the party.
The Conservatives say that they back the EU but want a halt to further political integration and a return of key law-making powers to nation states. They also pledge to secure three specific guarantees:
The Conservatives in Europe used to be part of the European People's Party in the European Parliament, and allies therefore of other centre-right parties, including those of Nicholas Sarkozy and Angela Merkel. Now they have pulled out, the consequence has been to put the Tories in bed with fringe right-wingers and other unsavoury types.
The Labour Party uncontroversially stresses the importance of British membership of the EU when it comes to big transnational issues such as climate change and security. It also wants to prioritise further reform of the Common Agricultural Policy to ensure farming becomes more competitive, sustainable and innovative, and it wants to work with EU partners to achieve a global trade deal to cut tariffs and liberalise world trade.
One key area where the parties differ is that Labour would proactively promote further enlargement of the EU, including support for the accession of Turkey and Croatia. This is very controversial, especially in the light of the financial crisis, which has seen weaker members of the EU having to be bailed out.
Traditionally the most pro-European of the big three parties, the Liberal Democrat's leader Nick Clegg has urged Britain to play its full part in the EU, which he says has a vital role on big issues such as climate change and security. But it is clear that the party sees its pro-Europeanism as something to play down during a general election campaign. When they do mention it, the expressions 'critical friend' and 'the EU is not without its faults' follow swiftly after any expression of support.
Whenever pollsters enquire about which issues matter most to people, health, education and the economy generally rank above Europe. It remains to be seen how much of an issue it will be in the upcoming general election.
Although one of the main advocates of the UK's entry into the then European Communities was Conservative Prime Minister Edward Heath, the Conservative Party has over the past three decades become more and more 'eurosceptic'. However, there are notable exceptions, and this has led to an ideological divide within the party.
The Conservatives say that they back the EU but want a halt to further political integration and a return of key law-making powers to nation states. They also pledge to secure three specific guarantees:
- a full opt-out from the Charter of Fundamental Rights
- greater protection against EU 'encroachment' into the UK's Criminal Justice System
- restoration of national control over social and employment legislation.
The Conservatives in Europe used to be part of the European People's Party in the European Parliament, and allies therefore of other centre-right parties, including those of Nicholas Sarkozy and Angela Merkel. Now they have pulled out, the consequence has been to put the Tories in bed with fringe right-wingers and other unsavoury types.
The Labour Party uncontroversially stresses the importance of British membership of the EU when it comes to big transnational issues such as climate change and security. It also wants to prioritise further reform of the Common Agricultural Policy to ensure farming becomes more competitive, sustainable and innovative, and it wants to work with EU partners to achieve a global trade deal to cut tariffs and liberalise world trade.
One key area where the parties differ is that Labour would proactively promote further enlargement of the EU, including support for the accession of Turkey and Croatia. This is very controversial, especially in the light of the financial crisis, which has seen weaker members of the EU having to be bailed out.
Traditionally the most pro-European of the big three parties, the Liberal Democrat's leader Nick Clegg has urged Britain to play its full part in the EU, which he says has a vital role on big issues such as climate change and security. But it is clear that the party sees its pro-Europeanism as something to play down during a general election campaign. When they do mention it, the expressions 'critical friend' and 'the EU is not without its faults' follow swiftly after any expression of support.
Whenever pollsters enquire about which issues matter most to people, health, education and the economy generally rank above Europe. It remains to be seen how much of an issue it will be in the upcoming general election.
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