The conference exhibited scepticism about levelling up and widespread enthusiasm for devolution – but less cognisance of the trade-offs it entails.
The country’s Prime Minister is a classic cakeist – berating the EU on the one hand, but not seeking to leave on the other.
The first in a five-part ConHome series this week on the future of the United Kingdom.
If America’s governors, county commissioners, and mayors are pursuing their own more aggressive measures, his calls will fall on deaf ears.
He presented a clear choice between his deal and the people’s wrath.
EU federalism will be stronger in Britain, as rules are simply imposed on you. And stronger in the rest of Europe – because you’re leaving us.
Robert Tombs asked at yesterday evening’s meeting if Tony Blair, Ken Clarke and Peter Mandelson really want us to enter a United States of Europe.
That means defending NATO from encroachment by an EU army, and supporting Central and Eastern European countries in staying out of the Euro.
Most of the powers involved in ordering the Single Market are technical and trivial-seeming, but supporters of Section 11 of the Withdrawal Bill see danger ahead.
The simultaneous creation and collapse of a new force has been written off an establishment failure. The truth is more interesting.
If part of the country can walk out on its responsibilities to the rest at any time, fundamental functions of the Union will cease to operate.
She cannot be a stationary establishment figure when faced with the restless mood of the voting public. She must move forwards – or we risk a 1997-style wipeout.
Also: Brokenshire insists restoring Ulster devolution remains the focus; Sturgeon may try to defy May over a referendum; and why not make Gibraltar actually British?
Also: Jones calls for grand council to create a federalist vision for Labour, and Government rebuffs Irish leader over Ulster comments.
The second article in a five-part ConHome series this week on the future of the United Kingdom.