In a piece for the FT Tory MEP Caroline Jackson writes:

"In the shade of the blue-green tree (the party’s emblem), a very nasty patch of poisonous fungus lingers on: it is Europe..."

Later in the piece she states:

"Conservatives are getting a reputation for bad manners towards their continental allies. Recently, Daniel Hannan, a Conservative MEP, likened the European Parliament’s German Christian Democrat president to Adolf Hitler after he invoked procedural powers to avoid disruption by those – led by Mr Hannan – who want a referendum. The comparison caused great offence. Mr Cameron has taken no action to discipline or disown him: this will be noted on the continent to his discredit. Nor does it help that in the Council of Europe, Conservative MPs sit in a politically mixed group, chaired by a Russian MP from Vladimir Putin’s party. What on earth do the Conservatives think they are doing there?"

Look, I know we shouldn't be speaking ill of the dead, and we should let sleeping dogs lie, but two stories caught my eye about Anthony Blair, ex-PM.
1. His official portrait has been shown for the first time. Not bad, but Cherie might consign it to the attic.
Why? because Tony is not just over yet. 
2. Some people are seriously suggesting that Blair might become the next President of Europe!!! Unbelievable!.  That's what we thought too, as Blair only lent grudging support to the idea of European Unity during his spell in No 10. He didn't actually promote the idea, but left it more to our imagination. So is he the right candidate?
Well swat's almanack says he will be as much use in resolving the Palestine question, as assisting the Rwandan's not to kill each other, as in settling the European question. Even after 30 years Britain is still debating 'out' or 'in'.
But we think that he will do pretty well in the boardroom of whatever merchant bank he is selling his name to.

This week David Miliband gave a landmark speech in Bruges on Britain's future within Europe.

Will Parbury looks at the eurozone economy

Ming has said, “Let's have an honest debate on the European Union followed by a real choice for the British people. That means a referendum on Britain's membership of the EU.”

The Labour Movement for Europe (LME) have published a handy booklet giving the 6 Deputy Leadership contestants the chance to declare their opinions and beliefs about Britain's relationship with Europe.

Available online: http://www.lme.org.uk/

New blog from the 2020 vision:

With talk from leaders of resurrecting the European constitution, Alan writes that people feel disenfranchised towards the EU. He says that Europe needs to demonstrate 'it's relevance and its governance are in touch with the modern world.' and that it must start 'bringing the public into its decision-making tent'.

John Reid announces plans to limit Bulgarian and Romanian workers in January, but is it such a regressive step?

Can anybody help Platonist who posted the following on ConservativeHome ...

UKIP are on the March.  No seriously...

Cameron leaves EPP.

According to the Independent, Cameron has backed down over leaving the EPP.

Eurosceptics strike again.