What's rong with the EU?

Where do I start? No, let me re-phrase the question. What could improve the EU?

1) Introduce Democracy
There is a large democratic deficit. The parliament, the only elected part of the set-up, has little power. It rubber stamps countless pieces of legislation, with little time to debate any of them. Above all, no opposition is allowed. Perhaps our parliament is unusual in having a government and loyal opposition, and perhaps things do get heated, and perhaps the PM and cabinet do dictate to the Commons, but at least there is the prospect of electors being considered. The only way to get our interest would be to have a freedom of information act, but this would blow such a gale through the moribund gravy train that I cannot see it happening. In the absence of this, all MEPs should undergo the scrutiny of expenses which the Conservatives are imposing on themselves. There are too many on the wasteful gravy train. Why not compulsory referendums?

2) Repatriate fishing policy to those countries which actually fish, each in charge of their own waters. There would be no over-fishing, fish stocks would rise. Above all we would not have the ludicrous situation of good fish being thrown back into the sea because the fisherman are up to quota on that particular species.

3) Save costs - the regular shuttle from Brussels to Strasbourg, for the glory of La France, is a futile and wasteful gesture. Agricultural subsidies and price fixing to suit inefficient French farmers should be phased out.

4) The European Defence Force should be abandoned. Instead, NATO members should be told about their obligations.


There are many other things, but if most of the above were put right membership might be more attractive to British people. It costs something like £750 for every man, woman and child, now that the sterling Euro exchange rate has moved against sterling. We might be more prepared to continue with our payments and membership.