Alternatives to the European Union
“The events of September 11, far from proving that closer
EU integration is the way forward for the UK, seem to suggest that the UK
follow an entirely different direction. This crisis illustrates that within
NATO, only the US and the UK can act globally and genuinely in concert in
terms of military, economic, and diplomatic strategies relating to
crises.”
“Americans who value it [the special relationship] must vehemently oppose
the Prime Minister’s ambitions to join the Euro.”
“A referendum on Britain’s entry into the Euro-zone may occur as early as
this parliament. A yes vote would irrevocably merge British sovereignty into a
larger European supranational construct, if the rhetoric of the current
Euro-zone members is to be believed. This is, quite simply, the last real
chance for Britain to choose an alternate future path, one that recognizes
that its natural economic and political partner remains the United States and
not the European Union.”
“…An alternative to Prime Minister Blair’s ‘third way’ push for ever closer
integration with Europe, we should rally round a rival standard: Britain’s
entry into a Global Free Trade Association (GFTA), with the US and the UK as
charter members. Such a plan requires the UK to shift its politico-economic
focus from Europe and instead return its gaze to what is clearly the most
successful partnership of the twentieth century.”
“As Henry Kissinger has suggested, European identity is now defined largely
in terms of an 'almost congenital opposition to the United States'. The EU may
even attempt to become a rival hegemon in the long-term.”
Other speakers at the Bruges Group Conference included:
Prof.
Christie Davies, author and academic;
H.E. the Rt. Hon.
Don McKinnon, Commonwealth Secretary-General;
Roger
Helmer MEP, Conservative MEP;
Mike Shaw,
businessman;
Michael Shrimpton, constitutional
lawyer;
Dr. Helen Szamuely, foreign policy expert;
Prof. Ivar Raig, Director of the research centre, Free
Europe;
Dr. Brian Hindley, economist;
Margit
Gennser, Swedish eurosceptic MP;
and Anthony
Coughlan, leader of the Irish ‘No’ Campaign.
- ENDS -
The complete transcription of the speeches is available on
www.brugesgroup.com
For further information please contact:
Robert Oulds: Director
The Bruges Group, 216 Linen Hall
162-168 Regent Street, London, W1B 5TB
Tel: +44 (0)20 7287 4414 Fax: +44 (0)20 7287 5522
Mobile: 0774 002 9787
E-mail: robert@brugesgroup.com
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