Articles and Speeches

European Elections - why bother?
27-May-09, Bracknell News

With the MP expenses coverage over the last few weeks, I’d be surprised if you aren’t feeling frustrated with our politicians and let down by the political system.  I know this from the doorsteps and my post bag.  It’s right to be angry. 

The popular fury over this is driving some to consider abstaining or even voting for extreme parties in the European Elections on 4^th of June.  Whilst it is right that people are furious with our Westminster MPs over the expenses fiasco, I believe it would be wrong to take that anger out on Britain, by sending extremists and fringe elements to represent our great nation abroad. 

Ignoring politics would make things worse. It is when politicians are held fully to account that they perform best – and it is when they are left to themselves that things go wrong. You can see this in our own Parliament.  Now that the public are able to focus on abuses, our democracy is healing itself – the Speaker is going, those who have offended have begun resigning, David Cameron has introduced very strict new rules and the other parties are following in his wake. 

Like it or not – and many of us do not – the EU creates about 75% of our laws. While this remains the case, we need sensible mainstream representatives there to reflect our values and protect our freedoms.  

My party in particular is committed to a referendum on the latest Brussels power-grab and I am keen for this strong platform to be endorsed at the polls.  Dan Hannan, the man whose speech against Gordon Brown made YouTube history, heads the Conservative list for our region.   

Whatever your politics, I would urge you to please support the party that truly represents your views in the cold light of day.  Please do not cast a vote in anger that will embarrass Britain for the next 5 years.  Every vote matters in the party list system.... you can deal with MPs at the next general election!