The ‘Special Relationship’ vs. European Fascists?

Neither is a desirable end. With the news that William Hague will be pushed by Hillary Clinton to reassess the Tories links in Europe, this however, is the exact question that the Conservatives have to ask themselves. It appears as though if the Tories do not subside and rejoin the European People’s Party then their international links with the USA, which they take too much attention of, will be tainted.

I recently went to see Nick Clegg speak at York, and I was impressed with his strong speaking against the emphasis the UK government always seems to place on the importance of a ‘special relationship’. However, in terms of this, USA have got it spot on, maybe the threat of the ‘special relationship’ will be the only thing that will get the Tories to realise their mistake?

It is also interesting to take note of how the US government have more or less accepted that the Tories are going to be in power come the next election. An interesting quote by a European diplomat cited in the Guardian shows this when they said:

“Hillary Clinton is concerned that the Tories would not take a lead in Europe. It is clear that this US administration does not believe that Britain’s relations with Europe and the EU are a zero sum game – the wrong-headed idea that if you are close to one you can’t be close to the other. The US wants Britain to be fully engaged in the EU – that makes Britain more relevant in US eyes.”

This shows how relevant the question of the ‘special relationship’ vs. the European fascists is. As the Diplomat says, the USA see themselves tied up within the interests of Britain within Europe. This links to an interesting analogy of Britain acting as a plank that brings the USA and Europe together. USA extend their influence through their perceived ‘special relationship’ with Britain, as they connect with the important matrix of European discussion.

However, questions of how special this relationship is should always remain central to these discussions. The Extradition Treaty is a clear example of the unequal power balance there is between the USA and the UK. It will be interesting to see whether the Tories will test the USA’s patience and remain within this contested and what is providing to be a costly European alliance. Clinton is said for example, to be against overturning the Lisbon Treaty. The Tories are at complete odds with USA, a country they want to be so close to. The clear damage this is doing to the Tories is highlighted in a recent PoliticsHome poll, which shows that the majority of those polled believe that Europe is a big problem for the Tories.

The question is clear for the Tories. They can either carry on with their stubborn denial attitude, which places them on the outskirts of all forms of decent society, or they can break their ties with the extremes and join the mainstream. Either way however, there will be major conflicts within the Tories. This links to a comment from a non alligned panelist in the PoliticsHome poll mentioned above, as they said; “it is a problem for the Conservatives, not because the European Parliament matters, but because Europe will split the party again.” Whilst I disagree with their view of European Parliament, they are right to state the clear obvious tensions and divisions this will create within the party.

I wonder, if Cameron could go back…