David Schweitzer

One of three songs written for the BBC Newsnight programme in the run up to the 2005 general election. This one is about where the three parties stand on European integration… the first half of the song is about whether or not to join the Eurozone, while the second half is about the proposed EU constitution. Post (or is it mid-?) credit-crunch, this issue carries very little politcal weight, but at the time it was  a big deal… if a week is a long time in politics, four years is a lifetime!

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What do the parties have to say about Economic Monetary Union?

Conservatives:
The Stability and Growth pact has been a disaster
The European Central Bank should not be our master
We’ll hold onto the pound, we won’t join the Eurozone
Britain’s currency is strong enough to stand alone

Liberal Democrats:
The EMU would lower prices for the person in the street
It would strengthen Britain’s industry and help us to compete
We support the Euro, but it’s the people’s choice
So we’ll hold a referendum, and hear the nation’s voice

Labour:
Back in ‘97 we devised a set of tests
To establish if the Euro was in Britain’s interest
Although there’s been some progress, we’re still a way off yet
As only one of the five conditions has so far been met
And the five tests are:

Economists & Gordon Brown:
Convergence… Of business cyles and economic structures
Flexibility… Sustainable long-term compatibility
Investment… Encouraging a flow of capital from abroad
Growth & Employment… A growing economy and more people with jobs
Financial Services… is the only test where it has been clearly shown
That things would improve inside the Eurozone

Narrator:
Just as important as the single currency
With an even bigger impact on the lives of you and me is…
The four hundred and seventy four page European Constitution
Was signed way back in two thousand and four
But it must be ratified by every member nation
Before it’s integration into law

Labour:
The constitution clarifies the roles of all the EU bodies
Streamlining the decision-making process

Liberal Democrats:
It includes a basic bill of rights, so long overdue
(with Labour) And that’s why we really have to vote yes!

Conservatives:
We oppose the consitution – let the others integrate
If they want to be a part of a European Superstate
There are ninety-seven thousand pages of EU law
We should be trying to curb those powers, not creating more

Liberal Democrats:
Opting out would leave us isolated
From both Europe and the USA

Labour:
While the economic vetos that we’ve negotiated
Mean that we can still have things our way

All MPs:
It’s a big issue that we must all address

Labour:
Setting out sweeping changes,

Liberal Democrats:
It’s not just an addendum

Conservatives:
We’ll be saying no

Liberal Democrats & Labour:
We’ll be pushing for yes

All:
But we all agree that there should be a UK referendum!

*

© David Schweitzer for the BBC 2005