Britain must play a positive role in Europe

Today, Thursday, marks the start of the European elections in the UK. In view of persisting Euroscepticism in Britain, the liberal daily The Independent comments that the goal of ending Britain's unclear rapport with Europe has not been achieved: "Relations, though, are as ambiguous as ever, ... . At times ministers have been constructively and energetically engaged, not least during the collapse of the financial markets last year. But far too often, Mr [Gordon] Brown [the British Prime Minister] and others have displayed an expedient surliness towards Europe, reinforcing voters' doubts instead of challenging them. They are partly culpable for the increase in popular hostility. Only the Liberal Democrats have consistently put the case for Europe ... . Like his recent predecessors, [party leader] Nick Clegg is unequivocal in his support for the EU. A strong vote for his party would show that parts of the electorate recognise the importance of Britain playing a positive role at the heart of Europe."

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