Not all the same, then

Written by Andrew Duff MEP and published in Hertfordshire (Herts) Mercury on Mon 4th Jun 2001

To a professional and self-respecting politician the most annoying reaction when canvassing a potential voter is "You're all the same!". The next most aggravating response is from the indifferent, uninterested, bored or self-possessed dedicated non-voter. My own usual riposte to the first type of typical Briton is to deny it and fight back. To the abstainer from civic life I warn him or her that "everyone else will vote for you then". Sometimes that works and a connection is made. More often than not one is met with a careless shrug of the shoulders and a frank, if devastating, "Couldn't care less, mate".

Whatever else this election has done, it surely goes to disprove that all politicians are the same. There is a vast difference between both the motivation and policies of the political parties. All want better public services after years of decline and neglect, but only one (we Lib Dems) has said that the country, therefore, has to pay for them. Labour say things are getting better in any case. The Tories say they will get better if we pay less tax.

The differences are equally as marked on Europe. A few people are bitterly hostile to Europe. A larger number, especially younger voters, are warmly pro-Europe. The great majority of the electorate, however, are critical of the political parties and the media for having failed to engage in a constructive debate about Britain's future as a European nation. They are right to criticise.

I have met nobody, Tories included, who believe Mr Hague's policy of renegotiating the terms of British membership is workable. For one thing, the ensuing crisis would block the accession of the new democracies of Central Europe, who need and seek the security and prosperity that EU membership brings. Mr Hague's policy would also infuriate the USA and cause a schism within his own party. He is therefore incredible.

The prime minister has at last been bold enough to say that British membership of the EU is a good thing. But he has not yet tried hard enough to build confidence in the Union and has failed to quash the lie that we are trapped inside some over-centralised superstate. And Tony Blair has still been fairly querulous on the euro when he has no need whatsoever to be.

Liberal Democrats have tried to advance this debate on all fronts. We will not shirk from admitting that not all is right with the European Union as it is - in fact, we are ardent reformers. But those of us who know the European Union well are certain that the balance of risk is strongly in favour of full British participation in Europe. The standard of life on the continent is much higher than in this country, and we would do well to aspire to European standards. The Union has the capability to run a decent security policy and is already a real force to be reckoned with in world trade and environmental policy. The benefits of the single market are profound, and these will bear more fruit if we have the single currency as a stable basis for long-term increased investment.

If the pro-Europe forces prevail this Thursday, let battle on the euro commence. If the referendum fails to shake up the most self-righteous or complacent citizen, nothing will.