Tories under pressure
As ever, the issue of Europe raises his ugly head in the Conservative Party. Tory donors are threatening to vote and support the UK Independence Party (see http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6262325.stm) with Stuart Wheeler saying his vote was "in doubt" because the Tories had "not been nearly strong enough on Europe". He was joined by former party treasurer Lord Kalms who told the Daily Telegraph "the option remains open for me... to vote UKIP."
To shore up support, Cameron has made reference to returning to “the ideas that encouraged me as a young man to join the Conservative Party and work for Margaret Thatcher" rather than follow Blair on the issue.
All of this follows allegations that the UKIP Leader has been promised a safe Tory seat (see http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6209386.stm) and the defection of two former Tory Peers who have given UKIP their first representation in Westminster (see http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6243807.stm). While joining, they said UKIP was the "only party telling the truth" about Europe.
All this makes the Tory’s policy on Europe a mess – the right within his party are not going to leave the issue, and Hague has failed in his attempt to form a new political group in the European Party. This leaves them in a group of Pro-European Centre Right parties, which must serve to antagonise the right and the UKIP-friendly party members.
The opportunity this offers Labour – if the Tories run yet another election having to be hard line on Europe to keep Euro-sceptics on side – may look attractive if it squeezes the Tories' support, meaning they don’t win crucial seats. But for progressives, the launch pad in Westminster and growing credibility for UKIP might be cause to re-group and redouble our efforts. Pro-European policy was important in the creation of New Labour but not something the British public have kept with us on. Labour needs to once again be seen as pro-Europe, but also pro-reformed Europe, in a way that seems meaningful.
In 1997 everybody on the social-democratic left in Europe turned towards New Labour, towards the third way for inspiration that a better Europe was possible.
In 2007, Blair is on his way out, Jospin, Schroder and Persson have all left...
Labour needs to turn towards Europe for inspiration for transformed renewal, values and putting the good society at the heart of its government.
Blair was once the darling of the European left; now Ségolène Royal is trying to assume that position. With a party membership strengthened over the last 12 months and a real chance of defeating the right in this spring's Presidential elections, things are looking up for the left in France. What can Labour learn? Come along and find out!
Come and join us for an evening of fun and informal discussion. A brief introduction to the topic will start at 7pm on Tuesday 23rd January, although we’ll be gathering for a drink before that.
Speakers: Mickael Laurans and Noel Hatch
Please note the location for the EUROPA-Soirée: The Plumbers Arms, 14 Lower Belgrave St, London, SW1W 0LN – close to Victoria Rail / Underground stations.
The event is free to attend, but it would be good if you could let us know if you plan to come – send an e-mail to europasoiree@lme-lse.org.uk
As the local PES activist network and after our campaiging trip to Sweden, we are looking to campaign in the French 2007 elections, so let us know if you are interested in joining us at noel_hatch@yahoo.co.uk
What can Young Labour learn from our European sister youth branches?
We have collaborated with youth branches for campaigning notably for the Swedish General Elections last year and despite the defeat witnessed how the Young Swedish Social Democrats play a key role in both political engagement and youth inclusion as well as a driving force of their party campaign during elections.
Posted by: Noel Hatch | January 20, 2007 at 11:24 AM