Cameron upsets some Tories

So David Cameron upset a few of his own side yesterday when he made it clear that should he become Prime Minister following the General Election he will NOT hold a referendum regarding the Lisbon Treaty. This all goes back to his piece in 'The Sun' ages ago and his "cast iron" guarantee. There was a link to this on someones blog which I read earlier today and I have to say that to me at least his phrasing is a little ambiguous. This leads to the age old problem that people will make their own construct from the words they read to suit their own agenda.

Realistically I suppose it was never on that one could have a sort of retrospective referendum, for better or worse the deal is done. My thinking is that we have gone more than far enough down the Federal Europe route. After Brown took over from Blair there was an attempt by a Tory backbencher to introduce a Bill whereby any legislation enacted in this country that had its origin in Brussels would have that fact stated in said legislation. Labour had the whips out on that one to make absolutely certain it would not make headway, a disgrace in my honest opinion. Cameron should ensure that such a proposal goes into the Conservative Manifesto.

Democracy rules OK

We in common with many other countries in the World supposedly live in a democracy. The problem is that no nation state can operate a perfect democratic system. Of late there have been many assaults on our 'rights' as citizens of this country. So the historical events of the last day or two I find particularly heartening.

Yesterday the result was announced of the referendum in Ireland regarding the Lisbon Treaty. Thank you, thank you you Irish folk for your 'no' vote. Like I suspect the majority I don't understand the ins and outs of the European Constitution (and this is what we are talking about here) but my gut instinct is that we have already gone too far down the integration route. The thing is that the different countries making up the European Union are vastly different in the way they run their affairs, for instance some are monarchies, some are republics. You could never get a superstate in a format agreeable to everyone. Not in a million years. The very fact that Ireland alone has had to have a referendum just illustrates the differences that exist between the different states in Europe. One thing is for sure and that is I wouldn't trust our politicians for a moment regarding Europe, let's not forget Labour reneging on their promise for a referendum.

Regarding the David Davis resignation I have to say I admire his stance. He made some very interesting comments when interviewed on the 'Today' programme. One of these was the fact that the matter he is particularly concerned about i.e. the erosion of our rights in this country is one that is not getting the in depth attention that it merits. His critics are saying the democratic process has been enacted regarding the 42 days thing and that he should just accept the vote. Like heck he should! At the moment we are being confronted with such a plethora of issues that we are failing to see just how are liberties are being eaten away. Davis is absolutely right to point out that the spotlight has to be turned onto the whole business of our individual liberty and he feels that the only way he can do this is by resigning as an MP and forcing a by-election. He admits to having an ego but points out that all MPs have one to a greater or lesser extent. To those who attack his stance I would merely point out that he is risking (a very low risk admittedly) his position as an MP and also the possibility or even probability of becoming the Home Secretary in the next administration. It's fascinating to note that whereas many in the mainstream media are pouring cold water on his decision he is getting a lot of support from people out in the real world. At the moment it looks as if the former editor of 'The Sun', Kelvin MacKenzie,will be the main opposition to Davis in the by-election, certainly if Gordon Brown lacks the courage to get Labour to challenge for the seat. We know which side 'The Sun' is on but who will the rest of the Press support?

One thing for sure is that I now know in which county the constituency of 'Haltemprice and Howden' lies!

Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo have their say

Last Wednesday many people will have participated in Halloween activities or, in my case, avoided them. But in the twin villages of Newton and Noss which face each other across the River Yealm in the far south west of Devon parishioners had the chance to indulge in another activity ...

It was their turn to make their thoughts known on the matter of a national referendum on the European Constitution if they so wished. This follows the recent parish referendum at Shaldon on which I had previously blogged on 26th October. As in the Shaldon case Newton and Noss overwhelmingly demonstrated their desire for an EU referendum.

The figures for Newton and Noss: Yes 302 No 26.

Now Shaldon votes on EU Referendum

Last month I had recorded the fact that the parish of East Stoke in Dorset had held a local referendum on the question "Do you want a referendum on the EU Constitutional Treaty? Yes or No?" Out of those who voted the reply was a massive "yes". I pointed out that a number of parishes in Devon and Cornwall were looking to ask a similar question. However I hadn't realised then that permission to hold such an event was in the gift of the relevant authority and now it transpires that some of them aren't going to play.

However the other week villagers at Shaldon on the south shore of Devon's Teign estuary had their chance to make their view known (well done Teignbridge District Council for facilitating this). On a turnout of 18.1% the votes were 260 to 12 - a pretty convincing margin I'd say for the yesses.

'Newton and Noss' in the far west of The South Hams could be one of the next places to exercise their democratic right on this issue. I don't think Gordon Brown will have an easy ride in the House of Commons regarding the EU Treaty and if enough parishes have a chance to express their opinion who knows what may happen. I hope those Labour MPs who are harbouring doubts about where their leadership is taking them will make a firm decision when their turn to vote comes; it is certainly not a matter to abstain on, that would be a real cop out. So a definite "Yes" or "No" is needed ladies and gentlemen.

Parishioners carry out referendum

The tiny village of East Stoke near Wareham in Dorset sounds an unlikely sort of place to start a revolution but it's been the scene of an unusual event this past week which just might be the start of something very significant in the democratic process. Prime Minister Gordon Brown is prepared to renege on the promise of his predecessor to hold a referendum on the question of the European Constitution. Originally of course the French and Dutch had scuppered the proposals so the powers that be have made one or two small changes, called it a treaty rather than a constitution so that in revised form it can come into effect. Whatever the politicians say I still consider that it is a proposal for a constitution and should still be put to the population at large.

Now it so happens that by way of an obscure piece of legislation a meeting can be called to discuss whether to hold a vote on an issue. If a minimum of 10 people at that meeting call for a poll then it must go ahead. The East Stoke question was absolutely straightforward: "Do you want a referendum on the EU Constitutional Treaty? Yes or No?". For that parish at least it was a very substantial "Yes" - out of the 300 plus parishioners 80 turned up with the result Yes 72, No 8.

Now in Devon and Cornwall there has been some interest in using this democratic process. Places as diverse as Sidmouth, Shaldon, Newton and Noss, Lanteglos by Fowey and Mawgan-in-Meneage could soon be in the limelight.

Whatever the outcome of any future mini referenda it would be good to see this government severely embarrassed. Politicians just pay lip service to democracy, if they can squirm away from it they surely will.