Something to Consider
It’s becoming increasingly clear that one of the biggest hurdles in getting people on board for finally coming round to the Euro is undoubtedly convincing the British public that that in fact joining the Euro may be a wise decision. This opinion is reflected in that of many leading figures such as Peter Sutherland who believe that perhaps joining the Euro is increasingly becoming our only option. In the melancholic desperate last days of peace preceding the first World War, the British Foreign Secretary, Sir Edward Grey, was repeatedly pressed by his French and Russian colleagues to state, categorically that Britain would remain faithful to its Entente with France and warn Germany that war with England was indeed an inevitability. Every time Grey skillfullykept up his room for manoeuvre and resisted the pressure. Even as late as August 1st he could adamantly maintain that London could not abandon neutrality “for the simple reason that public opinion would not sanction any other course”. As well as this at the Cabinet meeting that Sunday, a clear majority were against having ant part in the looming conflict. Both the City, many of whose prominent bankers were of German heritage, and a hefty segment of the media were against getting involved with the war. Grey kept his freedom of action until the last.
But the end was was coming fast. Four days later London had commenced with Germany. However dramatic the present financial crisis, it is on a smaller scale, mercifully, than 1914 but the question arises as to whether British pragmatism responding to dramatic events might not be capable of engineering a similar volte-face; to be precise the embrace of British Euro membership after years of anti-Euro rhetoric from the self appointed representatives of Angleterre Profonde. As in July 1914 there is no political motivation for European engagement at any level of any of the three main parties. A collective Euro-indifference worn at times heavily on the sleeve extends its deadening embrace which universal amongst all political parties. As history has shown, this does not necessarily means opinions can’t change. I for one believe that it is precisely that change of attitude which could play a major role in determining the future of Great Britain. Indeed it is vitally important that people do become more open to the idea of joining the Euro, and realize that rather than something to be feared it could in fact be our saving grace.
