To be pro-European does not mean enabling the EU to escape spending cuts imposed by every member state on almost every public service.
In truth Europe would be more popular with its citizens if it showed more willingness to tighten its belt just as they are having to do. Europe’s leaders cannot retain confidence by preaching austerity for everybody else except themselves.
David Cameron and Nick Clegg simply do not get it. They seem to think the elites can be protected from their cuts while everyone else suffers.
So I voted last night to curb Brussels’ budget as a pro-European who believes this is in the interests of both Europe and Britain.
Peter Hain MP was Labour’s Europe Minister and UK Government representative on the Convention on the Future of Europe
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