I have previously posted this diagram of European Bodies:
It shows the complexity of the different bodies in Europe. There is a debate going about whether or not to have a "referendum on Europe".
The first question of course is what the referendum is about. There are those people who would like to leave all of the European bodies in the diagram (except perhaps the Common Travel Area - which isn't in the diagram).
If, then, we are to have that that brings in the question as to what happens to those UK citizens who would be required to return to the UK if the referendum passed.
Do they get a vote?
I would call this the Spanish Question. That is because there are a lot of UK citizens in Spain. Many would have to return if we left the EEA. This applies throughout Europe.
I think they should have a vote on this very significant issue. They are entitled to vote in General Elections so this is not an unreasonable suggestion. Many have paid many years of taxes in the UK then retired abroad. They should have a vote as to whether or not we leave the EEA.
If we don't leave the EEA then most of the rules remain the same it is just that we have to follow the rules of the EU without taking part in setting them.
Hence it is clear that any referendum should be on EEA membership rather than EU membership.
Of course if people are concerned about the European Court of Human Rights then that is the Council of Europe and not the EEA.
So a proper and conclusive referendum covering all the bodies in one question is probably the right answer.
However, it remains that we need to have confirmation of the answer to the Spanish Question in relation to any referendum.
It shows the complexity of the different bodies in Europe. There is a debate going about whether or not to have a "referendum on Europe".
The first question of course is what the referendum is about. There are those people who would like to leave all of the European bodies in the diagram (except perhaps the Common Travel Area - which isn't in the diagram).
If, then, we are to have that that brings in the question as to what happens to those UK citizens who would be required to return to the UK if the referendum passed.
Do they get a vote?
I would call this the Spanish Question. That is because there are a lot of UK citizens in Spain. Many would have to return if we left the EEA. This applies throughout Europe.
I think they should have a vote on this very significant issue. They are entitled to vote in General Elections so this is not an unreasonable suggestion. Many have paid many years of taxes in the UK then retired abroad. They should have a vote as to whether or not we leave the EEA.
If we don't leave the EEA then most of the rules remain the same it is just that we have to follow the rules of the EU without taking part in setting them.
Hence it is clear that any referendum should be on EEA membership rather than EU membership.
Of course if people are concerned about the European Court of Human Rights then that is the Council of Europe and not the EEA.
So a proper and conclusive referendum covering all the bodies in one question is probably the right answer.
However, it remains that we need to have confirmation of the answer to the Spanish Question in relation to any referendum.
Comments
I am writing to you to invite you and your organisation to a high-profile event called the "Worldwide Peaceful Protest Against Child Abuse". This event is scheduled to take place on the 6th March 2012 outside the Scottish Parliament building, Edinburgh. The purpose of this protest is to raise the much needed awareness in to the effects of all types childhood abuse and how it irrevocably changes the lives of so many young and vulnerable children around the world. We are opening this event to all support groups and organisations that help and provide vital support to people affected by abuse. We are calling out all individuals, groups and organisations to come together on the same day for the same purpose and do your thing in your own way. If there isn't a protest in your neck of the woods then start something. If there is something, join forces with them and make their protest bigger and better. Imagine a protest so large, all protesting on the same day around the world at as many of the world's Government Offices as possible. To date, 38 worldwide countries are taking part on the 6th March. This is a huge achievement in itself for any organisation. So what is the aim of the protest? Its primary goal is to get people and organisations talking to one another in order to create a meaningful dialogue between them. Meaningful dialogue is not about complaining, meaningful dialogue is about people and groups supporting each other. A meaningful dialogue is about people working together. In our experience, working in splendid isolation doesn’t work as we feel that “if you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you always got.
This protest is about people getting together to change the system for something that will work. It's going to take people coming at it from all angles to force the changes and a multi-agency approach to make it work properly. I am in contact with other like minded survivor groups, some of whose members are victims not just of the crime itself
This protest will signify the want to change. With your support, we can do this but, only if you want to see change within the system. Help us to expose those responsible for abusing our children and bring them to justice. If we don’t stand up for our children, how do you expect them to stand up for themselves? We must remember to respect other peoples opinions who say that we are just wasting our time, whilst others must respect our opinion that we can and will make these changes happen.
Since the event was launched some 11 weeks ago, the following countries are taking part; USA, Canada, Australia, Ghana and many more are joining on a daily basis. To find out more about this high-profile event, please visit our websites which can be found below. The links to the sites are hyperlinks. I have also included some publicity material as attachments which we would encourage you to circulate in your offices, highlighting this event.
In closing, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to read this email and I shall look forward to your reply in due course. We would like to offer our support to you and your organisation in any way we can and, maybe in the future, work alongside one another. Keep up your fantastic work, you are helping to change the futures of so many children's lives and you should be proud of the differences you are helping to make.
Yours sincerely
Sam Edwards (CEO)
One voice for the kids
Tel: (07580) 092396
www.onevoiceforthekids.org.uk
www.acanetwork.org.uk
Postal Address:-
2, Viewfield Road
Fraserburgh
Aberdeenshire.
AB43 9LN.