European Community

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 7:01 pm on 18 December 1980.

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Photo of Mr Russell Johnston Mr Russell Johnston , Inverness 7:01, 18 December 1980

On the other hand, it is criticised by the Left of the Labour Party, one of whose Members I see sitting relatively quiescently behind me—the hon. Member for Newham, North-East (Mr. Leighton). Both of them profoundly disagree with each other about practically all alternative propositions. Members of the Left of the Labour Party, such as the hon. Member for Newham, North-East, condemn the European Community essentially because it is, in their eyes, a capitalist club whose policies represent an insuperable barrier to the development of true Socialist policies in this country. I think that that is a reasonably fair comment. The hon. Member for Newham, North-East may feel free to interrupt me if he thinks that it is unfair.

What does the hon. Member for Southend, East say about the matter? In our last debate on 28 November, he said: I am surprised"— he is still capable of surprise after all these years— at the number of Conservatives who support our present relationship with Europe, when we know that basically Socialist policies are being put forward in the EEC. These are very different points of view. I think that it is really about nationalism.