Europe
Expenses scandal widens; Cameron "will sack" Conservative MEPs who have broken the rules
There is wide coverage of the scandal surrounding MEPs accused of misspending parliamentary allowances, with the News of the World revealing that Conservative John Purvis has siphoned up to £1 million into his own firm, and that Sajjad Karim is to face questions after paying his wife £26,000 a year to act as his assistant - while she was working as a teacher. "I consider myself completely a victim in this whole thing," Mr Purvis told The Courier, a Scottish newspaper.
A Telegraph leader notes that "A recent survey of Britain's MEPs by the think tank Open Europe asked some very gentle questions - such as who handled their staff allowances, whether they had retained any of the money or employed any family members, and so on. Thirteen out of 28 Conservative MEPs refused to answer. But so did 15 out of 19 Labour MEPs and eight out of 11 Lib Dems. (Nine out of 10 UKIP members responded, as did both Greens.) What do these other parties have to hide? Why have they been so muted in response to the Tories' travails? Could it be that they are up to no good themselves? Mr Cameron has asked his party's compliance officer to look at the problem. He should start by requiring answers to Open Europe from all 28 MEPs. But it is time that questions were asked, too, of the parties that refuse even to discuss what they do with what is, after all, public money."
Open Europe's Neil O'Brien was quoted in the News of the World and the Mail saying, "At last the wheels are coming off the Brussels gravy train. Finally people are waking up to the scale of the abuse."
The front page of the Sunday Times revealed that Sir Robert Atkins had used allowances to travel to the US for his son's wedding. It said a confidential EU report revealed that one MEP paid a Christmas bonus to an assistant which was 19 times larger than his salary.
Further information has come to light on the arrangements of Den Dover, who was sacked as Conservative Chief Whip in the European Parliament on Friday. Dover paid £750,000 of public money to a firm run by his wife and daughter. The company spent £56,400 for motoring expenses and £32,400 on "repairs" to the company headquarters, which are located at his £1million home. Neighbours of Dover told the Mail that he had redeveloped his detached home in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, at an estimated cost of £100,000. The work included the building of five new rooms, a landscaped garden and the installation of electric gates on the drive, they said. One said: "Since becoming an MEP you could immediately tell he was more affluent. He changed his car and he and his wife started going on holidays to tropical islands. He has a large blue BMW and his wife drives a top-of-the-range silver BMW 4x4."
Dover defended the employment of his wife and daughter through the company: "They get market rates but they put in two or three times the number of hours". He insisted,
"They just never stop. Therefore I am totally innocent of any charges."
However, the Telegraph reports that the European Parliament's register of assistants shows that Dover's wife and daughter are not accredited to enter or use official buildings in Brussels or Strasbourg. As well as earning between £20,000 and £30,000 as a part-time parliamentary assistant, the Telegraph has also learnt that Dover's wife, a "fully qualified secretary", works a four-day week as a travel agent in Radlett, Herts, close to her home.
The Telegraph reports that 15 out of 28 Conservative MEPs have failed to disclose the full details demanded by David Cameron of how they spend staff and office allowances.
The Conservatives will send their new "compliance" enforcer to Brussels to check on the expense arrangements of the party's MEPs. The Independent reports that David Cameron will sack any Tory MEPs found to have broken the rules. The article notes that Cameron "is said to be worried that his attempts to stamp out rule-breaking at Westminster risk being undermined by the behaviour of some of his party's representatives in the European Parliament."
Guido Fawkes notes on his blog that he "is reliably informed that Cameron is inclined to take a tough line on them - including sacking as official candidates - a move that will be hugely popular with grassroots Tories. Such is the strength of feeling in the Conservative Party that outraged Tory councillors and activists in Giles Chichester's own constituency plan to go public with their disgust if he goes unpunished."
Meanwhile Telegraph Brussels correspondent Bruno Waterfield notes on his blog: "It would not be exaggerating to say that there are more than a few Labour and Lib Dem MEPs who are worried." A leader in the Sun argues that in light of the scandal over MEPs' expenses, "It is time the British government took a lead and cut off funds to the European Parliament."
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Ireland: 'Yes' side moves into position of strength;
FT attacks "ungrateful" Irish for holding a referendum
A leader in the FT says that "Putting the treaty to such a plebiscite is absurd." It argues that "The Lisbon treaty is an impossible document to explain, with 346 unreadable pages of assorted articles, amendments and protocols" and claims that "The No campaign unites the far left, fearing too much market liberalism, with the far right". Commenting on the possibility of a no vote, the FT says that "It seems extraordinary that the Irish could be so apparently ungrateful."
In an interview with Le Monde Green MEP Daniel Cohn-Bendit also cricitises the "foolishness" of the Irish referendum, and suggests those thinking of voting no in Ireland are "selfish". He says, "Why say yes to something which forces them to share what they get with the new EU members from Eastern Europe? The basic reaction is to protect one's own interests." He says: "A referendum must have consequences: if we say no, we leave Europe." He says: "The Irish have gained everything from Europe and they have not realised it. Clearly, we, Europeans, are not managing to explain to the people what we are doing."
The latest referendum opinion poll, published by the Sunday Business Post yesterday, indicated a tight contest with the Yes vote at 42 per cent compared to 39 per cent for the No campaign. Significantly, among voters who say they are absolutely certain to vote, the Yes side leads by 46 to 37 per cent.
Open Europe Director Neil O'Brien had a piece in the Irish edition of the Sunday Times. He argued that the Irish Government are trying to 'buy' votes from farmers by promising to 'veto' world trade talks. He notes however that "the Irish Government will have no ability to 'veto' any trade deal under the Lisbon Treaty. To lapse into euro jargon for a second, the remaining aspects of trade policy which are currently not exclusive competences of the EU (like education and health services) will become part of the Common Commercial Policy under the Lisbon Treaty. In other words, the last ropes tethering the EU's trade policy down to national parliaments will have been cut".
Prime Minister Brian Cowen made an emotive speech linking a no vote to a return to the era of mass emigration. Open Europe was quoted in Saturday's Mail saying that the Irish government might try to hold a second referendum if they do not get the result they want.
The Independent on Sunday reported that on Saturday night "There was speculation in Westminster that the [British] Prime Minister could be persuaded to use a 'no' vote in the Republic to drop the EU treaty Bill that is currently before Parliament - allowing him to appear as if he is listening to voters while avoiding additional political pressure." The Sunday Times argued that David Cameron may be "less than thrilled" at the prospect of an Irish 'no' vote, saying "The last thing he wants... is for Europe to return to the top of the political agenda." A leader urged "Come on Ireland: say no".
A leader in the Guardian on Saturday said "Defeat would also be a blow to Europe's claims to democratic legitimacy, already looking shaky and made more so by the scandalous behaviour of Tory MEPs abusing their expenses". A leader in Le Monde argues that "if the only country called upon to have their say on the Lisbon Treaty by referendum rejects it, that is a bad sign for Europe."
The Sunday Express quoted Open Europe saying, "Polls suggest the majority of the British public think the Government lied to them over the Treaty, so when bad things start happening, things will get very awkward for the Government. It will come back to haunt them."
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John Bolton says Lisbon Treaty is threat to NATO and democracy
In a speech at University College Dublin, the former US ambassador to the UN said "I think this treaty will further enhance the power of institutions in Brussels without extending democratic authority to people." He warned the Treaty could "undercut" Nato, something that would be a "huge mistake". He argued that if the EU has its own military capability, people will think Nato is redundant and Europe "can take care of their own defence".
Business angry over EU working time draft
The FT reports that employers are concerned that new rights to flexible working arrangements are built into the draft of the updated Working Time Directive. The Employment council meeting today will attempt to pass the Agency Workers Directive and also agree a new version of the Working Time Directive.
Britons want looser relationship with EU
The Sunday Telegraph reported on a new ICM poll for Global Vision, which found that when British voters were asked about their ideal relationship with Europe, 41 per cent chose one based simply on trade and co-operation. Some 27 per cent wanted Britain to stay a full EU member while 26 per cent wanted to withdraw altogether. If the "trade-only" option were offered in a referendum, 64 per cent said they would vote in favour. Asked what should happen if Britain sought to negotiate a looser relationship but other nations blocked the move, 57 per cent said the UK should leave the EU, while 33 per cent said it should stay in.
Norman Blackwell, Chairman of Global Vision, had an op-ed in the paper arguing that if the Lisbon Treaty is passed, it will not be open for renegotiation, but, "That does not stop the British government declaring that it is not satisfied with where this has left the UK's relationship with Europe - and, if backed by a strong mandate, setting out to negotiate changes in the way the treaties apply to this country." He said: "It is clear that the imposition of Lisbon on the British public need not be the end of the road. It could spur a long-awaited realignment, with which the UK is finally at ease. People are ready. All it takes is a government to give the lead."
Conservative Home looks at Lord Blackwell's piece, concluding "The challenge for the Eurosceptic groups is to build a coalition within the party that will make [renegotiation] more likely in the later years of a Conservative government - perhaps in a second term. This might be easier after Conservative ministers begin to realise how much their hands are tied by the current EU relationship. It will also require more co-operation from Eurosceptic groups."
Jackie Ashley has a comment piece in the Guardian on the issue of Europe: "Like the perfect storm, a series of smaller events are in danger of linking up in a way that could have momentous implications." She argues that an Irish no vote to the Lisbon Treaty could pose a dilemma for the Conservatives: "given the strong views of the rank and file party members, it's hard to see the leadership arguing against a new model for Europe that saw Britain and Ireland in a slow lane, along with Norway, while the rest of Europe charged ahead. Though it hasn't been discussed, a combination of Irish popular scepticism and a new Tory administration in London would be hugely important."
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Jackie Ashley: Foreign Office officials have spent five hours a day preparing the Wheeler case
Stuart Wheeler has a piece in the Sun, ahead of his legal challenge of the Government's decision not to hold a referendum on the EU Constitution despite repeated promises. He argues, "Three years ago, the people of Britain elected the Labour Party to serve a third term. In their manifesto, we were promised a referendum on the EU Constitution. This promise was repeated again and again...Let me make one thing clear about my legal fight. It is NOT about whether you want to be part of Europe or not. It is about holding the Government to account for a promise it made." The High Court will hear the case today and a decision will be made tomorrow.
Jackie Ashley writes in the Guardian, "Wheeler's legal attack has meant a huge amount of time and effort for Foreign Office officials. In fact, I'm told, the man in charge of Europe at the Foreign Office has been spending five hours a day preparing the case against Wheeler's challenge."
France and Commission to push for tax harmonisation?
The Irish Independent reports that the French Department of Finance has said that France will make harmonising business taxes a main priority for its EU presidency and that the Commission is preparing a proposal. It is noted, "The Irish Independent has seen copies of the agenda prepared for the July 2 meeting of the European Commission's 'Competitiveness Council'. It shows the plans have now developed to the point that Laszlo Kovacs, the EU Commissioner for Taxation and Customs Union, and the main driver of the tax harmonisation plans, was due to give a presentation on the subject to the Council." Turlough O'Sullivan, Director General of Irish business lobby group IBEC is quoted as saying: "I am absolutely convinced this is a Trojan horse to bring in common tax rates."
French official: EU must increase operational capabilities and NATO must decrease its command structures
The Guardian looks at a paper circulated by France ahead of its EU presidency, setting out proposals for further European military integration. The proposals include common EU funding of military operations, a European fleet of military transport aircraft, European military satellites, a European defence college, and the development of exchange programmes for officers among EU states. France also wants to rewrite the European security strategy and promote a common European market in military equipment through the European Defence Agency.
The British and French governments are said to be engaged in talks over the proposals, with Washington pressing the UK to reach a deal, after Nicolas Sarkozy signaled willingness to return France fully to NATO. Although Nicolas Sarcozy has stressed the "complementarity" between EU and NATO, Admiral Anne-François de Saint Salvy, a senior French defence ministry official is quoted saying: "France wants to create an efficient and strong European security and defence policy. The main goal for the French [EU] presidency is to strengthen EU military capabilities. The EU has to really increase operational capabilities and NATO has to decrease its command structures."
A leader in the Mail argues, "What is truly depressing is that the British public will not even have the opportunity to object to this exercise in self-aggrandisement."
Lawyers object to EU proposals on in absentia trials
European Voice reports that EU ministers have reached agreement on rules that would enable the judgements of trials in absentia to be recognised across the EU. Some member states, notably Italy, frequently try defendants in their absence, but the practice is not allowed in other EU member states. The agreement, reached on 6 June, enables judgements to be accepted across the EU provided courts follow the new set of rules. The in absentia proposal had been criticised by the European Criminal Bar Association (ECBA), and the German Federal Bar on the grounds that it would make it harder for member states to resist unjustified requests for their nationals to be extradited to other EU countries.
EU considers forcing airlines to fit anti-terror cameras in seats
The Sunday Times reported on EU plans to force airlines to fit anti-terror cameras in seats. The idea is for computers to constantly analyse facial expressions and conversations for suspicious behaviour, triggering alarms if certain traits were identified. Baroness Ludford, a Liberal Democrat MEP, said: "This is an intrusive step too far. It's not fantastic to say you might end up 'rendered' and taken to a foreign prison and tortured."
Child maintenance to be enforced across EU
European Voice reports that EU states have agreed on key elements of draft legislation intended to curb evasion of child maintenance obligations by parents who live abroad. The legislation, when formally adopted, is expected to apply to maintenance obligations towards other family members, such as former spouses, as well as children.
EU plans to add around £300 to cost of cars
The Telegraph reports that the EU is demanding that all new cars be fitted with Low Rolling Resistance Tyres by 2012, which would reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions, adding about £200 to the showroom price. The EU is also drawing up plans to demand that all cars are also equipped with equipment which makes sure that they are properly inflated. Motoring groups believe this equipment, known as a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System could add another £100 to the bill.
Euro is a "dangerous and inherently unstable system"
In the Sunday Telegraph, Liam Halligan, Chief Economist at Prosperity Capital Management, argued that as eurozone leaders celebrated the EU's 10th birthday this week, "eurozone policy-makers could now be suffering from a permanent hangover. A decade on, the single currency area is still enduring the co-ordination problems that have bedevilled it from the outset." He asks: "Ten years on, does the UK need to re-visit its decision not to join the single currency. Emphatically not! [...] Desperado europhiles last week tried to use the 10th anniversary to resurrect all those tired, disingenuous arguments about the UK "losing influence" unless we join the euro. Such nonsense should be resisted. And I say that, incidentally, not as a hard-right, xenophobe - which is how the Brussels trough-nuzzlers like to label Brits who think we shouldn't join. I don't want to join the euro for the simple reason that I'm an economist - and I understand the single currency to be a dangerous and inherently unstable system."
In the Sunday Telegraph Christopher Booker looked at the crisis facing the UK fishing industry, partly down to "draconian new Brussels quota rules". He also reported that the EU is again trying to publicise its emergency "112" number, noting that, in the UK, 93% of all 112 calls made on landlines are not real emergencies.
European energy giants will not be required to "unbundle".
Carbon prices in Europe are at their highest in two years.
EU ministers have failed to agree common divorce laws, amid opposition from Sweden, the Czech Republic and the Netherlands.
A Gallup poll shows that 47% of Danes want to join the euozone while 45% want to keep the krona.
Deutsche Welle reports that ahead of a Franco-Germany summit today Angela Merkel has said she will fully support France during its EU Presidency.
Le Monde reports that Nicolas Sarkozy is due to have lunch with Gordon Brown on 19 June, ahead of the EU Council meeting which opens that day.
Le Monde reports that Nicolas Sarkozy has said he supports a Greek idea to put in place a system of "European border guards."
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In the Mail on Sunday Peter Hitchens advocated MP Peter Lilley's suggestion that MPs should be paid less as more powers are passed to Brussels.
UK
The GMB is to withdraw funding from a third of the Labour MPs which it sponsors.
The move comes ahead of the "Warwick 2" negotiations next month.
According to the Mail on Sunday Charles Clarke has predicted Gordon Brown will be ousted before the next General Election.
The Sunday People reported that Gordon Brown is planning to introduce the first British Day next year, and is working to persuade industry to make it a full bank holiday.
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A new report by the Stockholm Network calls the 2C climate target "impossible".
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