Monday, October 31, 2011

Hallowe'en-Themed News for Some Reason

Over at The Economist, some EU news:
For some years, voters in the east Midlands of England have been represented by Roger Helmer, a man who has earned a cult following on the Tory right with his robust views on European Union (pah), climate change (pshaw) and law and order (during the summer riots, he called on the government to "get tough", bring in the army and "Shoot looters and arsonists on sight"). Mr Helmer announced this week that he was standing down at the end of this year, partly out of disillusionment with Conservative policies. Under the rules of the European Parliament, nothing so time-consuming as a by-election is triggered (this is, after all, a body which has watched turnout fall at each and every European election in the last 30 years, and responded each time by demanding new powers and more money). Instead, Mr Helmer is replaced by Rupert Matthews, the candidate from the 2009 European election who secured the most votes for the multi-member east Midlands seat without actually winning a ticket to Strasbourg.

Mr Matthews is also a man of robust views, it emerges. In particular, he is exercised by the Lisbon Treaty, which he asserts grants the European Commission powers to invade Britain, should the British ever try to leave the union. I spent many weary hours reading the treaty, and cannot for the life of me think of the articles he is referring to. There are treaty articles which talk of deploying military forces on peacekeeping missions outside the Union, but they all make clear that national governments are in charge of such missions. There is a bit about member states being entitled to ask for help in the event of a natural disaster or attack, but only at their own initiative. There is an article which talks about uses for Europol, a body bringing together policemen from forces across the EU, but it expressly states: "Any operational action by Europol must be carried out in liaison and in agreement with the authorities of the Member State or States whose territory is concerned."
Okay okay okay, that is somewhat odd in addition to being somewhat boring. But he's a Tory! And today is the day we demand spooky with our kooky. There must be more. And there is!



12 comments:

Big Bad Bald Bastard said...

There is an article which talks about uses for Europol, a body bringing together policemen from forces across the EU

This ensures that hilariously bumbling French detectives will be assigned to criminal cases throughout the EU.

zombie rotten mcdonald said...

I heard there was an article that talked about uses for a body?

I would like to subscribe to that newsletter.

ifthethunderdontgetya™³²®© said...

There's some sort of creature on his suit jacket.
~

Smut Clyde said...

Substance missppellled Halllowee'ee'en.

Substance McGravitas said...

Where is the lovely daughter to correct me on these things?

Hamish Mack said...

First lady talking about seeing a ghost is an actor.
Is Glenn Beck a Chancellor at that university.

Hamish Mack said...

IMU press release for Rupert
Andy Bayford, chairman of Leicester Conservative Association said: “I first met Rupert during the Leicester South by-election in 2004. “I believe he’ll be a good representative for Leicester and Leicestershire in the European Parliament. “He is a bit quirky and eccentric, so he’s fairly similar to Roger Helmer.”

Dr.KennethNoisewater said...

Is that a smiling, moustachioed penis I'm looking at? Does that mean this entry is happy to see me?

Substance McGravitas said...

First lady talking about seeing a ghost is an actor.

Are flaky actors beyond the realm of possibility?

mikey said...

I dunno. Dood's making sense to me.

A quick glance at European history, hell, even a scan of Europe's Weedwacker page will quickly inform one that EVERYBODY at one point or another invades England. Hell, it's like some kind of sporting event.

wiley said...

You scared me! Warning, please. I nearly jumped out of my seat~

Smut Clyde said...

Does that mean this entry is happy to see me?

Evidently VS needs more exposure to smiling, moustachioed penes or she would not have to ask this question.
[turns on webcam]