Barroso throws Tory plans in the trash

Tory lies and spin laid to bare on the Marr show this morning 19/10/2014.
When will people wake up and realise that the government and opposition parties are pro EU and can not change anything so are happy to go against the will of the people rather than listen to the taxpaying voters.

They need to remember they work for us not the EU machine.

"Freedom of movement is a fundamental principle of the EU"

David Cameron can not negotiate an immigration cap. End of story.

UKIP as kingmaker

John Ward notes that the Coalition is falling from grace. Indeed so. Perhaps the electorate is waking up to the fact that it doesn't matter who you vote for, the EU government gets in.

All three main parties support corporatism and are themselves supported by corporatism.

The EU being corporatism personified, our only hope is to leave the EU.

It will be a cold day in hell before the 3 parties support small businesses rather than merely paying lip-service to the notion.

While I can understand voters voting for Cons or Dems to keep Labour out, it is precisely this propensity which brought us a ConDem government.

If we want change, knowing that we will not get it from the main three, we need to have the courage to vote for any party/independent which is not one of the main 3.

My preference is UKIP and I believe that this preference is growing.

Many argue that UKIP would be incapable of forming a credible government even were it to obtain the required number of votes to do so.

The reality is that UKIP, were it to win seats, might well become "kingmaker" supplanting the Dems. Here, it is worth noting that in a recent poll, the Libdems obtained a mere 7%, while UKIP managed 5%. It is not inconceivable therefore that with the growing disillusionment of the electorate might put UKIP's share of the vote above that of the Dems.

Surely, this would be preferable to the EU-skewed configuration we now have in Parliament.

Cross-posted

Ex-MPs: how Britain was conned into joining the 'Common Market'

Thanks to James Goldsmith, we were spared the financial death throes that Eurozone members such as Ireland are now experiencing. We can only hope that the Euro is shredded by the markets, forcing deadly fissures to appear in the EU façade and 'community'.

If Ireland takes IMF cash, it will largely be under the thumb of Britain - the country whose embrace it could not wait to escape as it rushed to the bosom of the EU.

If Ireland takes Merkel's (expropriation) of EU cash, then it can expect to lose its sovereignty to the EU and to be forced to raise its corporation tax,  thereby reducing its competitiveness.

If Ireland does a deal with Britain, it will be even more firmly yoked to Britain than it ever was - this time, via the serfdom which accompanies unpayable debt.

What a a fine mess they've made. If only they'd listened to us and not signed that blasted treaty.

Ah. But the politicos were following a carefully crafted plan - and script. Just as Cameron and Hague are doing today, while they try to convince us of the opposite.

In 2008, before the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty, Eric Deakins, MP for Walthamstow West 1970-74, MP for Walthamstow 1974-87, and junior minister for Trade (1974-76) and the DHSS (1976-79) in Labour governments under Wilson and Callaghan respectively, witnessed and have spoken out against the dishonesty exhibited by a succession of leaders in committing Britain to the European Project.

Described are the aims of the Treaty of Rome, and how in subsequent years the process of integration into a European political entity has gradually been forced through, against the wishes and without the knowledge of the majority of British people.

Little by little, we are being roped in by the EU, aided and abetted by their new best friends, Cameron and Hague, who know a thing or two about twisting language to sound like the truth, so to disguise a cleverly crafted lie.

If we do not make a stand, Britain will be in the Euro one day - or in an incarnation of it, the end game being complete political union under an unelected body of totalitarian technocrats, who will transform Britain into an ex-nation of serfs. Except for the politicos, of course, who will be rewarded handsomely.

The copyright of the video below is held by the Campaign for an Independent Britain.



Ht tip: UKIPWebmaster

Ex-Labour MPs Nigel Spearing and Eric Deakins tell of how the British people were duped. They were both Members of UK Parliament at the time of Britain's entry into the 'Common Market' and witnessed how it was pulled off.(7-video autoplay).



Hat tip: Free Britain Blog

Cross-posted

AV: A chance for small parties and independents to enter the fray

Conhome seems to think that an AV referendum is a waste of money.


What price democracy?

I can see why the 'main' parties would be against AV and making the case against a 'costly' referendum on it.

But AV was part of the coalition agreement and unless you want to see the coalition fall apart, this referendum is vital.

From a disaffected conservative's POV (mine), AV would be terrific.

I realise that we would have endless coalition wrangles into the future, but it would allow the sweet breath of fresh air of new entrants into Parliament.

One of the main reasons that UKIP got nowhere in the GE was because everyone was just too desperate to get Brown out.

Surely, that stands democracy on its head? How can it be right that your only viable course of action is to vote for a party in which you have no overall confidence?

Before people jump on my case, I am pleased with a number of coalition deeds since the GE. Very encouraging.

However, I am bitterly opposed to its EU policy and people like me (the majority) had absolutely no choice in this respect in the GE.

So yes - bring on a referendum for AV and bring on AV!


I realise that this post will meet with opposition, but hey, if you disagree, discuss!


Cross-posted

German Marks re-printed?

(Click to enlarge)

The collapse of the Euro has been predicted by Ambrose Evans-Pritchard for some time, and now, speculation (pardon pun) is gathering pace as people begin to grasp that the massive Greek bailout is but a mere sticking plaster. It merely buys time.

Most pundits (Bob Chapman amongst them) believe that the Euro is toast and that Greece will never be able to repay its debts, even if its loans are restructured.

Germany would be hit harder than any other nation, should Greece default - or any of the PIGS, and for this reason, there is speculation that it has begun printing German Marks.

Related:

• German windfall profits from exiting the Euro

Cross-posted

EU policy cheat sheet: UKIP -v- Lib/Lab/Con

With Saint Clegg's rise in the polls, many people might have forgotten just how wedded the three 'mainstream' parties are to the EU.

Be in no doubt - a vote for the LibDems is a vote for further EU integration, and then some.

. Labour Conservatives Lib Dems UKIP . EU Referendum? On the Euro On further transfers of power to the EU On UK membership of EU and the euro On UK membership . Joining the euro? Mixed messages Never Yes No . Crime and policing? Status quo No new EU powers, opt out More integration No integration . European public prosecutor? Against Against Mixed messages Against . Immigration and asylum Partly in favour of more EU integration Against more integration and asylum burden-sharing More integration, n favour of asylum burden sharing 5-year immigration freeze . EU Defence Possibly more cooperation Against - no EU defence procurement EU defence procurement No EU involvement in defence . EU Foreign policy Keep EU diplomatic service separate from national issues Keep EU diplomatic service separate from national issues Keep EU diplomatic service separate from national issues Return to UK diplomatic service . Reform of the EU budget Vague CAP reform promise, maintain UK rebate Vague CAP reform promise, maintain UK rebate Vague reform promise, missed messages on CAP and UK rebate Reform (if we’re still in the EU) . EU financial supervisors In favour with reservations Against if transferring powers In favour with reservations Against . EU employment policy Status quo Opting out of parts “most damaging” to economy Status quo Opting out (if we’re still in the EU) . Common Fisheries Policy Fundamental reform Fundamental reform No mention in manifesto Withdraw . Environmental policy Support EU action, and current targets Support EU action, and current targets Support EU action, and current targets UK action

Source of Lib/Lab/Con info: Open Europe (PDF)

Cross-posted

Ireland furious they were duped to get a Yes referendum vote - We told you so!

After the first Irish referendum, the Irish were promised that they would not have to vote again if the EU didn't like their answer the first time. Well, they lied.

When the Irish were told to vote again, they were also told that they voted No the first time because they didn't understand the Lisbon Treaty, so the politicians would have to explain it to them.  Pass the sick bag.  That's a politician's usual mantra when wanting to ride roughshod over public opinion.

Why didn't they understand the Lisbon Treaty?  Because it was deliberately made unreadable by the EUdeceivers , as Amato, quite clearly, said so himself. The Irish paid no heed.

Before the second Irish referendum on the Lisbon Treaty, we eurosceptic bloggers tirelessly warned the Irish not to trust the EU's 'guarantees' - that they were worthless because they would not be encoded into the Lisbon Treaty.

Accountancy Age reveals that the Irish are now furious that they have been deceived over the EU's tax plans:

Plans for a flat rate of corporation tax across Europe have been panned [Ed: not "panned", not "planned"] by Ireland.

EU taxation commissioner Algirdas Semeta floated a plan last week to bring in a common consolidated corporate tax base which would make taxes on businesses the same across Europe.
Advertisement

See, Ireland? They lied.

Detractors say this has come just months after EU mandarins promised there would be no fiscal changes in the pipeline which would affect Ireland.

Dana Rosemary Scallan, a No campaigner against the Lisbon Treaty told the Sunday Mirror: "A common tax rate was always the intention of the EU. Unfortunately, the eurocrats lie and they lied to us about that tax guarantee.

"Anyone who raised concerns about this was branded a scaremongerer. I hate to keep saying 'I told you so', but I've been warning this was coming since 1999. We've been deceived by Europe."

Yes, we told you so, too.

How will Ireland recovery now?  Will it face being run by the EU, like Greece?

Perhaps, Ireland, you should have listened to Nigel Farage and UKIP - the few honest politicians we have.

Tories to nationalise independent schools

If you were ever in doubt that Cameron is no conservative consider his latest offering - to take independent schools into the state sector.

Why, in heaven's name?

From the Mail:

A David Cameron government would create a new breed of state-funded independent school with freedom to vary the national curriculum as well as teachers' pay and conditions.

Independent schools can do that already, so why would they want to be controlled by the state?  You can be certain that the noose will tighten over time, the government controlling more and more over time.

Fee-paying schools joining the state system would be required to relinquish their right to select pupils by ability and charge fees

How does this policy differ from that of Labour?

Will the Tories also pursue Labour's dumbing down policy?

Will it will become more difficult for independent schools to start up? Will they need government permission to do so?

Yet another reason not to vote Conservative. It surely can't be long before iDave and his leftie,EU-hugging pals are pastured off.

Perhaps the Tories want to lose the election?

Yet another reason to vote UKIP!

Defiant Nigel Farage apologises to bank clerks

After being censured and fined by the EU for attacking van Rompuy in the EP, Nigel Farage refuses to apologise to the EP, Belgium and van wotshisname - and instead apologises to bank clerks.

The charisma of the man McDoom must truly hate!



Hat tip: UKIPer, Paul Renfry

The charisma of a bank clerk - Nigel has a point! (Hat tip: UKIP TV):



Cross-posted

Hegelian: France says economic union is solution to Greek debt crisis

It didn't take them long, did it?

The FT notes that France is pushing for an "economic government" for the eurozone in the wake of the Greek crisis. "It is too early to talk about this openly", said an official in Paris. "But let's face it, this Greek tragedy is probably the best way to get the debate moving forward. It is a wake-up call."

Ah, yes. Wait until Germany has decided on whether or not to bail out Greece, then let the media loose to hail economic union as the cure-all that we 'need', to avoid economic catastrophe!

Yeah, right. Problem, reaction, solution. Only they're not fooling many people any more.

"We are at a crossroads," Mr Balladur wrote in Le Figaro. "The time has come to move to a new stage."

"The issue of economic government is largely about Franco-German dialogue," said an official. "The president and chancellor talk about it each time they meet."

Get ready for the media onslaught and watch McDoom's reaction.

Cross-posted

Greece will be the EU's excuse for economic and political union

Information Clearing House has an interesting article on the demise of the EU as a consequence of the Greek debt crisis.

However, it's a mistake to underestimate the EU. Not because the EU is wise, but because it is ambitious.  

The aim of the EU has always been to effect an economic and political union. This crisis has just demonstrated that a monetary union is not possible without economic and political union. So, where the sane person might say that monetary union has been a failure and should be abandoned, the EU mind will use it as an excuse to push for political union.

I.e., it is the solution to the problem they created - a 'solution' they wanted all along.

I hope I'm wrong, but time will tell.

Cross-posted

UKIP's Godfrey Bloom on Alex Jones Show Jan 2010

UKIP's Godfrey bloom talks to Alex Jones about  global government, the EU's corpus juris, common law, global warming, QUANGOs, Common Purpose, bankers, swine flu and Gordon Brown - amongst other things.

Bloom described Gordon Brown as "a dysfunctional individual", to which Jones added "there's something wrong with that man", "he's some kind of freak"!

Alex says of UKIP, "these guys have really got it right". Well, there's an endorsement!

Wow!



Cross-posted

UKIP's Godfrey Bloom on the Alex Jones Show

UKIP's Godfrey Bloom, a member of the EU Freedom and Democracy Group was interviewed by Alex Jones.

He rails against politics and big business, global warming, the EU and describes the means by which the British constitution has been overridden, our democratic processes destroyed by treasonous politicians and how the BBC has been complicit from the beginning.

Four-part autoplay:



Read news articles on or by Godfrey Bloom

Cross-posted

Germans plan to neutralise UK's EU sceptics and recruit Cameron

As if we didn't know, the EU's plan is for ever closer union and an ultimate end to the sovereignty of nation states.

The Germans are now pushing to recruit Cameron and neutralise the sceptics, ever fearful (and rightly so) that the UK's scepticism will cause it to leave the EU eventually and destabilise the EU in the process.

In case the article "End of Sovereignty" disappears from the server, I've reproduced it in full, below (my emphasis):

German government advisors are insisting on concerted efforts to politically neutralize British EU-skeptics. As explained in a recent paper published by the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP), the British Conservatives' attitude will have a "decisive influence on helping to set the EU's future radius of action," because the ambitious possibilities in EU foreign policy making, opened through the Lisbon Treaty's coming into force, will depend, to a certain extent, on London's cooperation. It is expected that the elections scheduled in May will bring a government change - from Labor to Conservative. The chairman of the conservatives, a flexible "Euro-pragmatist," is taking a Euro-skeptic position because of the balance of forces within his party, according to the authors of the SWP paper, but he can be brought to oppose his party's EU-critical wing. The main reason for British EU-skepticism is the fear of the loss of the country's sovereignty. This is not unjustified, as can be seen in the controversy around Greece's national debt. The German chancellor is threatening Athens that the EU needs to consider whether it should impose an austerity budget on Greece - if necessary, even against the will of the elected parliament in Athens.

Globally Designed

According to a recent paper published by the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP), London should be more firmly integrated into EU foreign policy, if for no other reason, than for Britain's political economic significance. The authors explain that "Great Britain, the second largest economic realm in the EU, with London being a hub of international finances" could definitely not be ignored "because of its globally designed foreign and security policy."[1] Because of the United Kingdom's well known EU-skepticism, continental European countries have paid "little attention" to London. That was a mistake. It would "behoove" EU members to insist on the British government's firm engagement for Brussels after the Lisbon Treaty takes effect. Attempts should be made to gain influence on the Conservatives, since they will probably win parliamentary elections in the spring.

EU-Pragmatism

Because of the growing popularity of the EU-critical forces, the SWP describes the current development within the Conservative Party as "somber." "The new generation of the Conservative parliamentarians will further strengthen the EU-skeptical camp." Therefore it will "sooner or later" be necessary to seek a closer integration into the EU. To achieve cooperation with the current party leader, David Cameron, is not out of the question. Up to now, his EU-skeptical statements have "mainly been out of consideration of internal party power struggles," whereas he, himself, tends more toward "conservative EU-pragmatism." This has become clear already through his backing off from holding a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty. The SWP authors suggest that on the basis of this sort of "conservative EU-pragmatism" Cameron could "use his party leadership position, to place the [EU-skeptical - gfp] rank and file under pressure." Of course Cameron's previous "failure to settle accounts with the hard-liners of his party sends a signal" even "to the dyed-in-wool optimists that there is still a lot of work to be done." But it is worth the effort to attempt to continue to marginalize the EU-skeptics.

Constructive Potential

According to the SWP document, various extraneous circumstances are advantageous to this project. The paper points out that the possibilities of the British Conservatives influencing the European Parliament have been "weakened" since they broke off from the European People's Party, forming a new group ("European Conservatives and Reformists") this year. The authors are also of the opinion that the US government, which is so important to Great Britain, is, under the Obama administration, increasingly seeing "Britain's significance within the EU as a constructive rather than a conflict potential." Therefore the conditions are not disadvantageous for taking action against the EU-skeptics. One cannot avoid the task of forcing the EU-critical circles into retreat, because even if Labor - against all expectations - does remain in government, it can "not be excluded that the national viewpoint, will not come to the fore" - meaning the EU-skeptical tendency. That is why, in any case, an "open debate" with and in Great Britain around the extension of EU activities must be initiated. The SWP authors' suggestions concerning how this should be done remain non-committal and rather ambiguous.

Austerity Policy

The main reason for British EU-skepticism remains the fear that in the future the EU could usurp the sovereignty of the nation-states and blatantly rule the member states, even Great Britain from abroad, bypassing the elected national parliaments. That this fear is justifiable can be seen in the recent developments in Greece. Greece's national debt has reached about 120 percent of its BNP, which is twice what is allowed under the EU's Stability and Growth Pact. Several EU states, including Germany, are exerting strong pressure on Athens to reduce the level of debts at all costs. Whether this is a justified demand, is a matter of dispute. The Prime Minister of Luxemburg, Jean-Claude Juncker considers "the perspective being painted by some, as if Greece is on the brink of national bankruptcy, is at variance with my observations."[2] Axel Weber, President of the German Federal Bank, on the other hand, demands that Athens impose a rigid austerity policy, that would also drastically cut salaries.[3]

Still Independent

The German chancellor is demanding that Brussels should be granted new rights of intervention into central areas of national sovereignty, for such cases. If, for example, an elected parliament refuses to enact substantial cuts in wages, Brussels must have the power to order these cuts against their will. "National parliaments do not like to have things imposed," observes Angela Merkel and demands "we have to discuss this type of problem."[4] The extent of this sort of intervention, particularly affecting the smaller EU nations, placing them under de facto direct control of the EU hegemonic powers, in particular Germany, has been anticipated by the Greek Prime Minister Giorgos Papandreou. According to Papandreou, the country's sovereignty is under threat for the first time since 1974, through the external pressure on Athens to reduce its level of debts at all costs. In 1974 the military dictatorship in Greece was replaced by a parliamentary democracy. Papandreou added that Athens itself must institute the reductions demanded by Berlin and others. This is "the only way to insure that Greece does not lose its independence."[5]

[1] Martin Kremer, Roderick Parkes: Großbritannien: "Being nice to a sceptic?" SWP-Aktuell 66, Dezember 2009
[2] EU macht Druck auf Griechenland; Handelsblatt 10.12.2009
[3] Bundesbank fordert Griechenland zum Sparen auf; Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung 10.12.2009
[4] EU verweigert Griechenland Soforthilfe; Spiegel Online 10.12.2009
[5] Bundesbank fordert Griechenland zum Sparen auf; Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung 10.12.2009

Cross-posted

British Finance team storms out of EU banking negotiations

Apparently our esteemed finance team had a hissy fit and walked out of the negotiations on financial supervision (by the EU and their new Napoleon) because the French are delighting in emasculating our City.

Funny that these incompetents didn't see this coming, isn't it? What did they expect?

OpenEurope reports:

UK "storms out" out of negotiations over new EU financial regulator;
Sarkozy: For the first time a French Commissioner is in charge of the City of London

EU Finance Ministers will today discuss the formation of a new EU-wide system of financial supervision, including the creation of three new EU authorities with the mandate to overrule national regulators on issues such as shortselling and the recapitalisation of banks. The authorities would also have the power to supervise and intervene in individual firms - moves which the UK is said to resist.

The UK stalled negotiations in October on the three new authorities as Alistair Darling wanted the EU to clarify exactly what powers the new authorities would have if a member state failed to implement decisions taken by the bodies. The UK also wanted all decisions taken by unanimity, Euractiv reports. However, the site reports that EU diplomats believe that Britain is isolated and that the remaining 26 member states will give the new authorities their full support. "Mainly ministers will be asking what kind of majorities will be needed in the new supervisory bodies," one EU diplomat is quoted saying.

Comments made yesterday by Nicolas Sarkozy have added to fears that the proposed architecture, in combination with the appointment of French protectionist Michel Barnier as the next Internal Market Commissioner, will damage the City of London. Sarkozy said yesterday: "Do you know what it means for me to see for the first time in 50 years a French European commissioner in charge of the internal market, including financial services, including the City [of London]? I want the world to see the victory of the European model, which has nothing to do with the excesses of financial capitalism".

Dutch daily NRC reports that "the British are so angry about Sarkozy's triumphalism that they are blocking negotiations on EU banking supervision...The atmosphere has been so poisoned that the British, who think that supervision damages their City, have stormed out of the negotiations, according to an eye witness".

Writing in the Times, Alistair Darling argues, "We must resist measures, however superficially alluring, that could undermine the effective functioning of our cherished single market. National supervisors, such as the FSA, must remain responsible for supervising individual companies. Making companies directly accountable to more than one authority is a recipe for confusion."

In a debate in the House of Commons last night, Shadow Treasury Minister Mark Hoban criticised the Government for not being more active in the formulation and scrutiny of the new proposals. He said: "I'm not optimistic of the Government's chances in insisting on its red lines because I think the Government has repeatedly left debating these matters until too late in the process."

Cross-posted

The Albion Alliance: Cross-party independence alliance

The Albion Alliance was launched today, to bring together people from all parties who want a referendum on the EU.

Ian Parker-Joseph explains why we need the alliance:

Numerous opinion polls tell us that 70% of the voting public want a referendum on the EU.

Over the past 40 years Britain has been led, against the wishes of its people, into a political union by a discredited political elite without so much as a single vote on the issue from the public. The last time the public were consulted, in 1975, it was for a simple trading partnership called the EEC. No-one has agreed to a political union where the law of this land will be made by unelected officials in a far off land.

We believe that the forthcoming General Election should be the catalyst that forces that referendum. A referendum that simply asks the public:

“Should the United Kingdom remain in a political union with the other member states of the EU. Yes or No?”

In order to force this issue to the top of the agenda, not in another 5 years, but as a priority for any incoming government, we will be asking every PPC to unreservedly commit to putting the country before party by signing up to the principles laid out in this Albion Alliance.

We are not asking any PPC to abandon his or her own party, nor to set up a party in opposition, but to simply put the people whose votes they are asking for, and their country, before all else, irrespective of the Party Whip.

When they become a signatory to the Albion Alliance, they are pledging to force this referendum, they will be asked to carry the Albion Alliance logo on their campaign website and literature, so that you the voter will know that if you vote for this candidate, they have pledged to granting the public that all important voice on the future of these Islands, a United Kingdom, a land once known as Albion.

The public will then know when they are making that all important decision on who to vote for, a vote for a PPC who is pledged to the Albion Alliance means a candidate who is committed to a referendum, where we hope to find a majority of A.A. MP’s across all political parties once the election is over. Such an alliance would also consider policies that are likewise mutually compatable and can be agreed with the members.

I have already made that pledge, and I urge you to write to your current MP, and then to all the PPC’s intending to stand for election in your constituency urging them to make the pledge to the A.A., The Albion Alliance.

Thank you.
Ian Parker-Joseph
Leader, Libertarian Party UK & PPC Torfaen

Join the Albion Alliance.

Cross-posted

EU surveillance state: How the EU is watching you

Today, Open Europe published its report "How the EU is watching you: The rise of the surveillance state (PDF), covering:

• Measures already agreed or in force, including surveillance databases;
• What to expect next.

Measures already in force include:

• collection and storage of communications (email, 'phone, internet usage, etc.);
• DNA and fingerprint sharing across the EU, in a massive database;
• EU-wide ID card;
• Mass surveillance;
• Health information on citizens, being available to bureaucrats;
• Making international agreements/treaties without recourse to 'sovereign' states (which would no longer be sovereign, should the Lisbon Treaty prevail).

What to expect next:

• 5-year strategy for 'justice' (read, injustice);
• Collecting and sharing surveillance data;
• Monitoring and sharing data on people's travelling histories, such as information from travel agencies;
• Remote computer searches (which already exist in the US - when you connect to government web sites, you explicitly grant them access to your hard drive);
• Being tried for 'offences' which are not illegal in your country;
• Police to be trained by EU;
• Largest fingerprint system in the world;
• Exploding of extradition via the European Arrest Warrant;
• EU defining laws on citizens' right to internet access;
• Access to member states' tax databases.
  

What will Cameron on have to say on the above? If he doesn't give us a referendum, we have a bleak future ahead of us - a totalitarian nightmare.

Cross-posted

Klaus: articles and blogs today

Klaus has expressed his dismay at the Lisbon Treaty and while some take the view that he has capitulated and will sign the treaty, some believe otherwise.

Read more about Klaus and the Lisbon Treaty.

Klaus has been concerned about 2.5 million ethnic Germans who were expelled from Czechoslovakia after WW2, attempting to reclaim their properties.

As such, he and a group of senators posted a legal challenge to the Czech constitutional court, which is expected to give its decision on 27th October 2009.

Klaus cannot sign before the ruling is delivered and if the legal challenge is rejected, Klaus might have to sign - unless he can find another way to hold up ratification.


Those who think Klaus might not sign:

• Europe does not need President Blair - Adam LeBor, The Guardian
• Vaclav Klaus determined to weather the storm over Lisbon Treaty veto - Roger Boyes, The Times
• Klaus unlikely to sign Lisbon Treaty - poll - CTK, Ceske Noviny

Those who think Klaus has capitulated:

• 'Too late' to stop Lisbon Treaty, concedes last EU leader left to sign - the Daily Mail
• Thanks for Nothing, Vaclav - Blaney's Blarney
• Czech leader resigned to treaty - Rob Cameron, BBC News
  

Wavering:

• Klaus set to ratify the Lisbon Treaty - is David Cameron secretly relieved?  - Will Heaven, the Telegraph
• How do you solve a problem like Lisbon, David T Breaker, ConservativeHome
  

Cross-posted

King Tony of EU, or Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain?

Lifted from UKIPTV:



Cross-posted

Klaus insists on amendments to Lisbon Treaty before ratification

Open Europe reports that Klaus seeks an amendment to the Lisbon Treaty  (a leader in the Economist describes the Lisbon Treaty as "deeply shabby"). with regard to the Charter of Fundamental Rights, which angers EU politicos as he will not specify the amendments he seeks. Presumably, he's playing his cards close to his chest so that the politicos cannot rubbish his bid or counter it with its usual obfuscations, half-truths, outright lies and cannot therefore discredit him.

Open Europe sums it up, thus:

The Times reports that Czech President Vaclav Klaus has demanded an amendment to the Lisbon Treaty, which could pose a further delay to ratification. Klaus is seeking unspecified guarantees on the Charter of Fundamental Rights - the declaration being incorporated into EU law by the Treaty.

Polish daily Rzeczpospolita quotes a Czech source saying, "We have expertise, which shows that in accordance with the Charter it will be possible to reclaim property rights in Czech Republic. We cannot allow judges from Malta or Spain, who know nothing about our history, to decide whether Sudeten Germans have right to their property."

The article notes that Klaus' move has sparked anger in other EU capitals, with French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner saying, "We are not going to change the Lisbon treaty. It has been approved by the Czech parliament and by the Czech senate in the precise terms in which everybody has accepted it." Swedish Prime Minister and holder of the EU Presidency Fredrik Reinfeldt said, "I spoke by phone today with President Klaus. I told him this is the wrong message at the wrong time for the EU. I told him clearly it is his ink on the paper that counts, and I do not want this to delay the treaty going through as soon as possible." The Independent quotes Reinfeldt saying, "We need clarification on exactly what he is asking for...As I understand, it's linked to the Charter of Fundamental Rights. It's a footnote, but he didn't define it."

Meanwhile, after a series of contradictory statements over Polish plans to sign the Treaty, several newspapers report that the Polish President Lech Kaczynski will sign it this Saturday. The Polish President's Chief of Staff, Wladyslaw Stasiak, made the announcement on TVN24 yesterday: "The president will sign the treaty on Saturday at noon".

Update:

And if you think the EU is really concerned about "climate change", then why is it colluding with the logging industry to downgrade the protection of rain forests - which, after all, absorbs C0₂?

The Irish Times reports that the EU has been accused of changing the text of the current REDD (Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation) agreement after lobbying from the logging industry. This means "[...] that the industry could continue logging old forests, accelerating climate change", said Greenpeace's forest policy expert, Grant Rosoman.

Unscrupulous in the extreme - money changing hands, no doubt, between politicos and loggers.

Cross-posted