The Staggers

The New Statesman’s rolling politics blog

The UK in splendid isolation

Hungary signals willingness to take part in EU treaty leaving the UK on its own.

By George Eaton Published 09 December 2011 13:49

Well, that didn't last long. The UK's short-lived alliance with Hungary is over after the latter's government indicated its willingness to take part in the proposed treaty change, subject to a parliamentary vote. Sweden and the Czech Republic (the only other two countries not to sign up to the process) had already done so.

Here's the key paragraph from the revised statement issued by European heads of state:

The Heads of State or Government of Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Sweden indicated the possibility to take part in this process after consulting their Parliaments where appropriate.

In other words, the UK really is in splendid isolation. As Rafael wrote earlier, Cameron's non-deal has led us to the outermost margin of the EU and ever closer to the exit. Indeed, the more excitable europhiles are suggesting that's exactly where we're heading. Former Europe minister Denis MacShane has declared that there is now "little point in Britain staying in the EU. Bill Cash has won and I congratulate him and other Eurosceptics on their victory." If such talk grows, the pressure for an in/out referendum (as advocated by the Lib Dems at the last election) will increase.

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Tags: Europe

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15 comments

Fri, 2011-12-09 20:31 — john henry (not verified)

So now we now know that Dodgy Dave is a defender of the Banksters. He's like Basil Fawlty; irrational and erratic. Or should I say a Don Quixote type character erecting imaginary "Eurowindmills" to fight and appease for now his rabid, right-wing, reactionary back benchers. The Tories truly are a fetter on Britain making progress in the world. They are backward, inward looking, insular and pathetically parochial. They are holding this country back from making economic progress and its people are SUFFERING as a result. We are stuck with a Government mired in ideology, wilfully preventing growth to save the face and reputations of Call me Dave and Boy Georgie. What a complete shambles!!

Fri, 2011-12-09 20:54 — swatantra

I guess its the final curtain for Britain. We'll never sing 'You'll never walk alone' with any conviction any more.
This was not Dave's finest hour; he let the side down badly.

Fri, 2011-12-09 20:59 — Robert Taggart

"Fog in the channel - continent isolated"!

Sun, 2011-12-11 02:00 — Maggie (not verified)

Well done David Cameron, this country needs to stay away from the dodgy thieves of the EU who would rob our Financial Services see and end to our well earned reputation as the leading money capital of Europe, and make us bankrupt at the same time.

Sat, 2011-12-10 01:45 — Mark Richardson (not verified)

Britain is being run up a dead end, by arrogant zenophobes to protect the very organisations who lack of regulation caused the recession in the first place.

Fri, 2011-12-09 14:17 — Stuff

It brings to mind Harry Enfields joke about Conservative MPs:

"That's what Europe is all about. It's better to be on the train, pissing out, than running along the platform, trying to piss in".

Fri, 2011-12-09 14:32 — martybee (not verified)

Weigh Anchor..were outa here...set sail all points West...Have a good day Y'all.

Fri, 2011-12-09 14:51 — Reginald-Fah-fah

Marvellous move by Prime Minister David Cameron!!!

I hope Sweden and the second class member of states will follow suit.

Fri, 2011-12-09 15:03 — ang (not verified)

Cameron is such a stupid spoiled brat. To veto something means to stop it and he hasn't. So why did he do it, he now looks stupid and isolated, unfortunately he has suceeded in flushing our economy further down the toilet, but hey ho, as long as the bankers are happy.
On the up side, it may destroy the coalition.

Fri, 2011-12-09 15:14 — Chintoo

Facts, the Lib Dems can't afford to leave the Coalition.

New Labour flushed the economy down the toilet by emptying all money pots (real estate property and pensions). The Eurozone going bust is just another pot that the Government can't make money on.

Fri, 2011-12-09 15:33 — Lady J (not verified)

If you are going to be an outsider David Dear, find some supporters.

France dug a hole for you and you step right into it. Never underestimate a small man. They all know you are a 'school boy politician'.

Swallow your pride and speak to Gordon Brown.

Sat, 2011-12-10 15:34 — Dominic Lynch (not verified)

What is Hungary going to pay with? Carrots, Onions and other veg.

Second Class Member of States are going to pull Merkozy down.

Great Britain is first class!!!

Fri, 2011-12-09 17:37 — Drew Edward (not verified)

So at home Cameron tells us all the importance of keeping the UK together to give confidence to the markets, while abroad wants to isolate the UK from our main trading partners and bail out when the going gets tough. Priceless!