The BCiP Key Issues Programme
As a result of the May 7th election outcome the referendum on Europe now stands front and centre in both British and European Union political life. BCiP therefore has launched a programmatical series to identify and help clarify the big issues attaching to the question of Britain?s place in Europe: ?Britain and the Future of Europe: BCiP Key Issues Programme?.
The first event will set the stage for those following, by recalling the institutional framework of the main European bodies, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, attendant (desirable or less so) institutional dynamics and unresolved difficulties. The picture thus emerging will be set against the expressed positions of the Conservative Party ? both as to end results sought and process to get there. And then we shall ask: (a) what are the big institutional issues? and (b) starting from here and now, how can they be tackled?
Subsequent events will focus on different policy fields or choices of existential importance to both Europe & Britain: the sources of identity ? Britain and Europe compared; the geopolitics of Europe & Britain?s understanding of its own defence and international relations game plan; comparative economics: staying on board versus jumping board; and in conclusion, to step back and sum up: strategic and cultural choices ? what is at stake? what does Britain really want?
Internal and external speakers will figure.
We hope to draw participants and/or observers to the Programme from beyond as well as within BCiP.?
Paul Thomson
BCiP Vice Chairman