What are the implications of the Eurozone crisis and David Cameron’s refusal to agree to treaty changes aimed at tightening financial rules in countries using the euro?
NFU members can read a briefing considering the possible impacts for British agriculture by clicking on the related documents tab above (requires log-in).
* Update - December 15 2011: Euro falls against the dollar
Since publishing this briefing the euro has fallen sharply against the US dollar.
This is a result of the increasing uncertainty over the future of the euro, as well as comments from the credit rating agencies Moody’s and Fitch, that the deal struck on by European leaders on Friday December 9 was not enough to reduce debt pressure.
Our briefing has been updated with new analysis in light of the development.
- David anderson - 22/12/2011
When the details are published we will find we have not opted out of anything.
- Bernard Caldwell - 22/12/2011
There is no cure for the Eurozone problem. It is called massive chronic debt. People & mainly our useless politicians need to cut their costs & their spending. NEVER borrow more than you can easily pay back in a sensible time period. Also NEVER follow any example given by TB or Gordon Brown as neither has a clue on basic common sense economics.
- Bob Hesketh - 21/12/2011
David Cameron has done something which should have been done years ago. He must continue to take a tough line so that southern European Countries realise they cannot flaunt the rules all the time. I feel strongly that as a nation we could do far better without the burden of EU bureaucracy.
Why should we be held back by un-neccessary costs? Parliament sitting in both Brussels and Strasburg is a stupid waste of tax payers' money and only done to appease the French. Our poultry producers have complied with the CAGE BAN due to be implemented on 01 01 12 - in 9 days time. 17 other countries have failed to comply. This adds at least 4 pence per dozen to our costs. We can't protect ourselves by controlling imports. Why - it would be against EU rules? There are many other examples but I prefer to ask people three unrelated simple questions:-
1. Which European country has a sustainable and profitable fishery and why? NORWAY because they are outside the EU. They have control of their own asset and don't have to comply with EU bureaucrats.
2. Which country sells most manufactured products into the EU? Answer CHINA. They are not in the "club". If you have a good product at a competitive price, it will always sell. Without the massive on costs from Brussels weighing us down, our government in Westminster could lower income tax and corporation tax for example and make us far more competitive both outside and inside Europe.
3. When you are next with a group of people in the pub or at a dinner party ask them to name their MEPs. In my experience 90% of people can't name one!! Is this democracy?