The problem with Howard

Iain Murray sums up Tory European policy in three words: stupid, stupid, stupid. He’s probably right and I probably agree (you probably have commitment problems – Ed). This whole EU issue and Howard’s stated middle ground position is extremely bad for the Tory party on nearly every level.

You see if, as Iain suggests, Howard chose the Euro friendly line to stop a few fat old Tory wets like Ken Clarke criticizing him then Howard has not only handed a bunch of Tories over to the UKIP, myself among them, but he has also revealed himself as an unprincipled leader whose position on the EU is dependent upon the opinion of others and not upon some personally held belief in the EU.

If, after Thursday’s vote, the UKIP does well and there is a subsequent change in the Tory position on the EU as I hoped for here Howard again, though to the EU sceptics advantage, would reveal himself as someone who has no deeply held and principled position. Hollow, if you like.

Alternatively, if Howard really does personally believe in the middle ground in Europe and if many Tory votes do go to the UKIP then he reveals that his position is simply incompatible with that of many natural Tory voters.

Whichever way this goes, Howard has fluffed it.