“It is important to state very clearly that a strong UK in a strong Europe is in America’s national interest,” said a senior US administration official. “We recognise national states but see the EU as a force multiplier.”
I’m sure that’s quite lovely for you.
But I’m less than convinced that we should suffer for your benefit…..
10 responses so far ↓
1 john miller // Dec 19, 2012 at 8:41 am
I think it’s important to ensure the continuity of the special relationship so I’m all for it.
I hope one day to be Prime Minister and so I can look forward to a sinecure in the EU if I’m a misreable failure.
If I’m worse, I can look foward to a multi-million dollar, err, job with an American bank.
2 john b // Dec 19, 2012 at 9:00 am
Obviously, the US’s interests shouldn’t dictate the UK government’s behaviour (unless the US fancies a silly war, in which case it equally obviously should).
However, it somewhat gives the lie to the fantasists who claim that if the UK left the EU it’d be welcomed open-armed into NAFTA, doesn’t it? (and yes, I’ve seen plenty of people making that argument over the last few months)
3 cuffleyburgers // Dec 19, 2012 at 9:21 am
John B – “it somewhat gives the lie to the fantasists who claim that if the UK left the EU it’d be welcomed open-armed into NAFTA”
Not really, that’s just one voice from the strongly anti-British Obama wing, by the time we actually do manage to liberate from the Maoist theocracy in Brussels there is likely to be some body else in the white house and hopefully somebody a little more interested in Human rights and a properly functioning world and less rabidly Frankfurt-school.
Hopefully.
4 Frederick // Dec 19, 2012 at 9:32 am
I think that in a reciprocal arrangement the US should open its borders to mexico since together they leverage their force.
5 alastair harris // Dec 19, 2012 at 10:22 am
excellent – where do we send the bill?
6 CHF // Dec 19, 2012 at 10:46 am
Mr Pitt observed, “We recognise the historical self-governing arrangements of the colonies, but we see the British Empire as a force multiplier. More tea, Franklin?”
7 So Much For Subtlety // Dec 19, 2012 at 11:51 am
Isn’t that American Code for “We’re sick of defending your cheese eating surrender monkeys. It is time for you to man up and keep the Russians out and the Germans down by yourself. Together you are richer than we are so pay for your own damned tanks you gutless weenies”?
An argument to which, I have to say, there is no little merit.
8 JamesV // Dec 19, 2012 at 12:16 pm
Maoist theocracy? We really are getting the hyperbole-as-rhetorical-concept today, aren’t we.
9 Gerry Dorrian // Dec 19, 2012 at 5:39 pm
I think Washington is looking at Scotland’s plans to secede with its share of the oil, and thinking of the equivalent situation it faces with Texas.
10 Thomas Gibbon // Dec 20, 2012 at 12:48 am
“We recognise national states but see the EU as a force multiplier.”
Force multiplier? Of what precisely? Military? I don’t think so. Economic? Euro, anyone?
Methinks that bloke from the Guardian has joined the Obama crowd.
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