Twice as many voters want Tories, but what about Europe?

Given that twice as many electors said they would vote Tory as Labour (48% to 24%) at the next general election, it is now time for the Conservative leadership to reflect on what they want to do with Europe, particularly following the undemocratic ratification of the Lisbon Treaty.

If the Treaty is not implemented before the next general election, will the Tories strengthen their opposition by demanding a post-ratification referendum in a manifesto?

If the Treaty has been fully implemented before the next general election, will they seek a long-term renegotiation or rebalance of our relationship with the EU via a manifesto commitment? Perhaps this could imply the need for putting our own House in order first – even a new Act (or amend the European Communities Act 1972) to assert UK parliamentary supremacy over European legislation for circumstances when it is clear to our own judiciary that UK and European law has conflicting demands?

These, however, are not mere provisos because …

…how can the Tories promise to better coordinate economic policy if Brussels seeks to control UK fiscal policy and excessive economic regulation?

…how can the Tories promise better governance if that governance is not in fact grounded in the United Kingdom Parliament, but Brussels legislators and the rulings of the European Court of Justice?

…how can the Tories commit themselves to the importance of the Irish ‘No’ vote on Lisbon in relation to our own domestic situation when they know it will now be overridden by the European juggernaut?

If these issues remain unanswered to the general public, a much needed Conservative majority will be lost, a hung Parliament will be achieved (as Mr. Pickles has already hinted) and we will be forced into accepting a lawless unworkable Commons that passes no law without the say so of coalitions or deal-makers. It may be like watching the Major years unfold all over again.