Britain, so long a major player in European politics, has always enjoyed its role of the aloof island nation, and enjoyed many years of prosperity in 'splendid isolation'. The British relationship with other European nations, then, has always been one of enthusiasm and caution, and the British public has long been ambivalent about the role that Britain should play in Europe, and what role Europe and the EU should play in Britain.
Interestingly, then, the Telegraph has printed a feature which argues that - amongst Britain's euro-sceptics - the area that is most supported for continued European Union involvement, is on environmental policy.
The Telegraph published the following:
"Polls show they believe Brussels "plays a negative role" in most areas, from policing to education, from economic policy to public transport. They disapprove of its impact on health care, inflation and tackling unemployment by majorities of two to one, on housing by three to one, and on tax by four to one.
But when it comes to the environment, nearly three times as many Britons say that the EU has had a good effect as disagree; only fighting terrorism runs it close. And it is the sole issue where opposition has not grown since the middle of the decade. It is also is one of the very few areas where Britons forget their hostility to Brussels regulations. Nearly twice as many say decisions about the environment should be made jointly with the EU as want them taken by Westminster alone".
Such solidarity is encouraging for those that would argue for a unified front on the problem of climate change, and equally for those who would wish to see the endeavours of the EU acknowledged; as a united body they have made some significant cuts and pledges on environmental issues, showing that - if climate change is a global problem that must be treated with a global solution - the EU can work cooperatively to achieve significant aims.
A support for that united front from the British public is a very important symbol indeed, and long may support for environmental reform in the EU, from Britain, continue.
Posted under Articles, Environmental News
This post was written by Chris Woolfrey on September 25, 2009
