09 May 2008
Europe Day, but not in Britain
Today is Europe Day, the anniversary of the Schuman Declaration that gave birth to the idea of the European Union. It is celebrated across Europe as a recognition of what the EU has achieved. In Poland, there is a parade through the streets of Warsaw; in Bulgaria, there are educational events around the country; and in Turkey, the foreign minister invited the ambassadors of the EU member states and candidate countries to breakfast.
And here in Britain? The Europe minister, Jim Murphy, confirmed last week that “As has been the case in previous years, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in London has no events planned to mark Europe Day on 9 May.” How cheering. We go to less effort to celebrate the EU than Turkey does.
On the bright side, I should add that Jim Murphy continued to say that “The FCO's network of missions across Europe do participate in Europe Day events in their host countries, respecting local circumstances” as if that were any comfort. Of course, British diplomats take part in local celebrations, “respecting local circumstances”: it would be downright rude not to. But there is no indication from the government that Europe Day has anything to do with us.
This from a government that wants to encourage more flying of the flags of saints George, Andrew and David on the appropriate days of the year. When it comes to identity and public communication, this government seems to show no interest in the role of Europe.
In previous years, there have in fact been some, although only a few, official celebrations of Europe Day. A visit to the website of the Foreign Office will show that Geoff Hoon gave a speech on Europe Day in 2006 and Denis MacShane hosted a lunch in 2003. (There is also a reference to Europe Day on the 10 Downing Street website, from 2004, which you can read here.)
Some brave local authorities have defied the national trend and marked Europe Day in their own areas. And many European Movement branches have done the same: congratulations to them.
And here in Britain? The Europe minister, Jim Murphy, confirmed last week that “As has been the case in previous years, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in London has no events planned to mark Europe Day on 9 May.” How cheering. We go to less effort to celebrate the EU than Turkey does.
On the bright side, I should add that Jim Murphy continued to say that “The FCO's network of missions across Europe do participate in Europe Day events in their host countries, respecting local circumstances” as if that were any comfort. Of course, British diplomats take part in local celebrations, “respecting local circumstances”: it would be downright rude not to. But there is no indication from the government that Europe Day has anything to do with us.
This from a government that wants to encourage more flying of the flags of saints George, Andrew and David on the appropriate days of the year. When it comes to identity and public communication, this government seems to show no interest in the role of Europe.
In previous years, there have in fact been some, although only a few, official celebrations of Europe Day. A visit to the website of the Foreign Office will show that Geoff Hoon gave a speech on Europe Day in 2006 and Denis MacShane hosted a lunch in 2003. (There is also a reference to Europe Day on the 10 Downing Street website, from 2004, which you can read here.)
Some brave local authorities have defied the national trend and marked Europe Day in their own areas. And many European Movement branches have done the same: congratulations to them.
Posted by Richard Laming at 17:30
As you know I should celebrate Europe Day enthusiastically. It happens to be my birthday, after all. But rightly or wrongly we have as a nation fallen out of the habit of such celebrations. At one time we celebrated Empire Day - did schoolchildren have the day off? There was subsequently a Commonwealth Day (surely well worth supporting?) though I doubt anyone knows when that is now.
So our lack of enthusiasm for 9 May is part of a broader picture which goes with our distaste for Winston Churchill Streets and Harold Wilson Industrial Estates (there is one such (or was) in Caerphilly named no doubt by some local socialist brotherhood in an overexuberance of party enthusiasm.
Is it significant that Caerphilly is in Wales? When I write of Nation, what am I writing of? Britain (or at least England) does not do 'Nation' well, something that is both a blessing and a curse. We don't have flagpoles in our gardens and don't get overly excited if someone uses our flag for underpants. Such things do not define us - which is where Brown perhaps is going wrong with his citizenship notions.
So we are defined by what - John Major's cricket and warm beer? Perhaps, Alan Bennett's witty observations? The Hyde Park proms? I don't know but we aren't defined by governments, or statesmen - rather by an absence of them. We may need them, but that we don't set them upon pedestals is a strength rather than a weakness.
(All rather waffly but no time to write something more coherent!)
We have great difficulty in even getting our local council to fly the European flag on May 9th (for just the one day).... and yes, there are three flagpoles on the Town Hall so no excuse.
Reminders to the Leader are ignored.
Alas, I see little prospect of Brits celebrating Europe Day any time soon. Though I think more people would be willing to celebrate Europe Day than Gordon Brown’s ‘Britain Day’ (15 June). In either case the public probably see it as artificial and cynical creation dreamed up by politicians for their own purposes.
Perhaps if there was a massive Europe wide event or series of events (including European anthem and flag) - and a day off – that would be hard to ignore. Football? European Olympics? Fireworks? Eurovision song contest final!?
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