Once the Scottish referendum result is known and digested, focus will inevitably turn to another referendum – on whether we should leave the EU. Much depends on how much wool can be pulled over the electorate’s eyes. It is becoming blindingly obvious that no meaningful renegotiation is possible, and if voters can see through any attempt by David Cameron (or whoever) to convince them otherwise, a vote for withdrawal looks to be a real possibility.
But what of the rest of Europe? A recent survey by the German Marshall Fund has found that 26 of the other 27 member states want us to stay. Is this is motivated by a real sense of affection for us? More likely that as a net contributor, it’s because of the money we put in the European pot, or perhaps a fear that UK withdrawal would undermine the whole European project. It is hardly surprising that Poland is particularly keen to keep us on board given that so many of that country’s nationals are currently resident over here.
However one country would prefer that we withdrew – France. Admittedly the majority supporting our withdrawal was only a slender one, but fifty or so years after General de Gaulle vetoed our entry on the grounds that we would not fit into the new Europe, it seems that his countrymen still acknowledge this same truth. We are square pegs in the round EU hole. It’s about time our own politicians recognised the truth of this piece of French sagesse.
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