The involvement of the Church of England in the Brussels regional assembly scheme makes one ask questions.
Why were bishops, not to mention archbishops, set up to head the campaigns to persuade the rest of us that it would be a good idea to hand over local control to Brussels?
Why would local Churches Together groups not permit representatives of the United Kingdom Independence Party on to their pre-election 'meet-the-candidates' panels?
The Church of England appears to be adding its support to New Labour, who have already revealed their position in attacking local government, in the field of education, for example, no doubt to help them 'sell' regional assemblies to the public.
How they will sell the Pas de Calais Regional Assembly, which includes Kent and a chunk of France is, thankfully, a problem for the people of that county.
Probably a job for the Bishop of Dover.
At a recent local meeting Grimsby's MP Austin Mitchell referred to the possibility of getting the people of Yorkshire to go for regional assemblies.
There was no way they would win a referendum in Yorkshire therefore we must find another way, was how he explained the situation.
Maybe the Church of England is the 'other way'?
Eric Richards,
Pinfold Close, York.
Updated: 10:40 Wednesday, June 20, 2001
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article