David Cameron’s European Union (EU) renegotiation deal has actually made Britain’s position in the EU even weaker than it was before, a group of MPs have insisted. In a letter to The Times , the group of Conservative MPs point out that a little-reported section of the deal pledges that the UK “shall not impede the implementation of legal acts directly linked to the functioning of the euro area”. David Cameron’s deal, which he insists is legally binding, also promises that Britain will not “create obstacles” to further integration in the Eurozone. The MPs, led by former Social Secretary Peter Lilley, write: “We surrendered Britain’s right to give or withhold consent to future EU treaties required to convert the Eurozone into a political union. We could have used that leverage to get powers devolved to the UK in return for agreeing to Eurozone integration — and to block measures harmful to us.” The group, which also includes former Defence Secretary Liam Fox and former leadership contender David Davis, as well as Jacob Rees-Mogg and Bernard Jenkin, say the Prime Minister has “surrendered Britain’s one remaining bargaining lever”, leaving future British leaders in a weaker position during negotiations. “The UK would be very vulnerable if we remain in the EU on these terms,” they add. The MPs conclude: “While our partners sensed that Britain might leave the EU and could impede further integration, they respected our interests. But a vote to remain would signal that we lack the will to govern ourselves. Our interests would henceforth be far down their concerns.” The letter comes just a week after fellow Conservative Andrew Tyrie, chairman of the influential Commons Treasury Committee, said David Cameron’s deal could be used as a “Trojan Horse” to extend the powers of the EU within Britain. Mr Tyrie said that a passage in which the words “without prejudice to the existing powers of the union to take action” had been inserted constituted a way for ...
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Cruz draws backlash for trip to Cancun amid winter storm crisis
Sen. Ted Cruz Rafael (Ted) Edward Cruz Noem touts South Dakota coronavirus response, knocks lockdowns in CPAC speech Sunday shows preview: 2024 hopefuls gather at CPAC; House passes coronavirus relief; vaccine effort continues Texas attorney general hits links with Trump before CPAC appearance MORE (R-Texas) sparked backlash online after reports confirming that he and his family flew to Cancun, Mexico, as extreme winter weather battered his home state and left millions without power. Both Fox News and The Associated Press confirmed on Thursday that Cruz traveled to Cancun after photos of the senator began circulating on social media Wednesday night. Cruz was expected to return to the U.S. immediately, according to the AP. Former MSNBC anchor David Shuster tweeted that he had confirmed Cruz's presence on the flight. ADVERTISEMENT Just confirmed @SenTedCruz and his family flew to Cancun tonight for a few days at a resort they've visited before. Cruz seems to believe there isn't much for him to do in Texas for the millions of fellow Texans who remain without electricity/water and are literally freezing. pic.twitter.com/6nPiVWtdxe — David Shuster (@DavidShuster) February 18, 2021 Extreme cold and snow have devastated the Lone Star State’s energy grid, which has been tied to at least 20 deaths. In a Thursday interview on CNN’s “New Day,” Austin Mayor Steve Adler (D) called for Gov. Greg Abbott (R) to provide “a better explanation” of how to prevent similar energy infrastructure failures going forward. “The truth is that right now we’re just trying to keep people alive and safe for the next two days, so that’s where all of our focus is,” Adler said. The reports came shortly after social media users highlighted numerous tweets from Cruz and other Texas lawmakers mocking earlier power outages in California. Cruz conceded Tuesday that he had “no defense,” adding, “A blizzard strikes Texas & our state shuts down. ...
Biden’s tricky tango with Congress
Sign up to get our new weekly column as a newsletter. We're looking back at the strongest, smartest opinion takes of the week from CNN and other outlets. (CNN) "There are men of character in the U.S. Congress, both House and Senate. There are women of character, too. But the evidence for 'character' needs to be something other than the iteration of the word itself," writes Marjorie Garber in her book "Character: The History of a Cultural Obsession." That is a useful frame for trying to make sense of the dramas that proliferated on Capitol Hill this week as Congress took up multiple nominations to President Joe Biden's Cabinet and held its first hearing on the January 6 insurrection. As Garber notes, the translation of individual traits into a "national character" most often occurs at "times of stress, as a marker not so much of social progress as of social and cultural anxiety." We saw this. Conviction and commitment (and the lack of same), and in darker terms, eccentricity, hypocrisy and excuses made for bad behavior were on full display on the nation's highest political stage. Dismissing hypocrisy with a laugh is part of what has left America's political discourse vulnerable to infiltration by dangerous conspiracy theories, wrote Frida Ghitis, reacting to Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson's remarks during hearings about the violent Capitol riots. He suggested, citing multiple discredited claims, that the day had a "jovial," "festive" tone and that the assault had been a false-flag operation. As Ghitis pointed out: "That conspiracy theories exist and are spreading is not news, but hearing them uttered by a US senator during an official congressional hearing marks a new low, one that demands we sit up and take notice. " And because tens of millions of Americans "believe the same thing[s]... by uttering that poisonous nonsense from the halls of Congress, Johnson is pumping more fuel into a dangerous fire." While no huge new ...
