Rules on lorries means Britain loses more ‘clout’ from EU membership

THE BBC Today programme reported that the EU parliament would shortly vote to introduce new regulations for lorries to have improved rear view mirrors and windows, designed to remove blind spots and improve the driver’s field of view.

This report was true, but also highly misleading. These regulations were not drawn up by the EU but by a superior interational body called UNECE (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe). That is where the real decisions are made. The EU institutions and parliament merely do as they are told.

UNECE consults with member countries in formulating regulations, but Britain has no voice there. The EU decides on a “common position” before going to the consultation. So the EU actually keeps Britain off the “top table” where the critical decisions are made. Regulations cover increasing aspects of our lives and the EU is merely the local enforcer.

Like Britain, Scandinavian countries frequently have different standards from those of the big, mainland European countries. So they are disregarded too. But they have a friend to speak up for them. Denmark and Sweden frequently ask Norway to make their case. Little Norway has a voice where it counts. As an EU member Great Britain does not. Neither do Denmark and Sweden.

Britain gains no “clout” at the negotiating table from its EU membership but rather loses it entirely.

Edward Spalton

This article appeared in the Derby Telegraph, 28th April