DAILY MAIL: Slowly but surely, the hidden agenda of the European Union's foreign policy elite, led by France, becomes clear. They want an EU 'army', 'hard power' and a grand new military headquarters.
Yes, reference was made to the Army in the Lisbon Treaty - which, of course, was opposed by the great mass of British public opinion - but only now is the scale of Nicolas Sarkozy's plan becoming clear.
The French President wants a direct rival to Nato, the body which has kept peace in Europe and the rest of the world for the past 60 years. Not only would this threaten our special relationship with the US, but also arguably world security.
We have had ample examples from the past of those EU countries who prefer restricting their troops to peace keeping or reconstruction, and eschew standing and fighting.
Take Afghanistan: Why is it Britain has more troops than any other country in Europe supporting the Americans?
What is truly depressing is that the British public will not even have the opportunity to object to this exercise in self-aggrandisement. It will be progressed through an obscure clause buried in the Lisbon Treaty (otherwise known as the EU constitution).
However, it is just possible that Lisbon itself could be scuppered next week when the Irish public are given a chance to vote. Latest opinion polls suggest a 'No' vote and - if one nation refuses to ratify the treaty - it falls.
Don't hold your breath. If the verdict does go against the Irish Government, they are likely to simply try again until they get the desired result, as they did when voters initially rejected the Treaty of Nice in 2003.
At least the Irish have a semblance of decency in these matters. Not so Britain. Since Labour decided - in defiance of its manifesto pledge - there would be no referendum on the Lisbon Treaty here, it has been an exercise in Parliamentary rubber-stamping, to be completed by Peers next week. The EU Reveals Its Contempt for Voters >>> Daily Mail Comment | June 7, 2008
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