EUROPE. SO WHAT?

THIS week the Lisbon treaty was officially ratified by all 27 member EU states.

The Czech Republic after weeks and months of deliberating has agreed to sign, meaning the Treaty could become law by December. There has been a lot of Euro-scepticism in Britain, especially over the Lisbon Treaty, which we have already signed and ratified.

The Treaty, when in effect is supposed to ease the operation of Europe, will make the EU, "more democratic, more transparent and more efficient". More details about it can be seen here.

Britain’s relationship with America isn’t looking too ‘special’ and it is becoming increasingly obvious that there is a shift in world power from West to East. China and India are growing into strong economies and global powers. We have to accept it. This is why it’s important that Britain doesn’t isolate herself from Europe. We need to be part of a bigger community and power.

I’m not suggesting that the EU should become a super version of the USA, far from it. Britain needs to stay part of a community that can share employment, resources, energy and trade easily.

We have to remember, we are no longer an Imperialist country anymore. The Empire was dismantled almost half a centaury ago. We seem to still hold this Imperial idea of Great Britain in our heads. Wakeup and get over yourself Britain. We need Europe now if we are to survive on the world stage.

BOOMERANG BLAIR

AFTER a week that has been neither good nor bad for Gordon Brown, his old boss has managed to overshadow him once again.

If all goes to plan, Tony Blair the former Prime Minister, could take the new position of European Union President. The Irish public need to vote yes today to the Lisbon Treaty for this to happen. If so within a few weeks Blair could be adding a new job title to his CV.

This is certainly a kick in the teeth for Cameron and the Tories. Just when they thought they were in luck - The Sun, proclaiming earlier this week it has switched alliances to the Tories – Blair comes back to cause trouble. If Blair becomes President of the EU, the Conservatives would have to assess their stance on Europe.

It is quite funny to consider that the next government - be it Labour or most probably Conservative – will have the shadow of New Labour and Tony Blair hanging over it.