Another example from the Today programme of its narrow metropolitan bias. Jack Straw was interviewed about the possibility of Turkey joining the EU. Ed Stourton's contention - one shared with Right Wing Christian Democrats across Europe - is that Turkey is not suitable for entry into the EU, because it's, well, in Asia. And, more importantly, not of a Christian tradition.
Jack Straw pointed out that many areas of Europe have a Moslem tradition - for example, Spain. Ed Stourton asked him what his "constituents in the North West of England have in common with Turkey". Jack Straw replied that a third of his constituents in Blackburn are Moslems.
Note to BBC. There are Black and Asian people oop North. They're very easy to spot. They're the ones without ferrets and whippets. And cloth caps.
Just for the record, I am fascinated by the project of European expansion. In many ways it is a further step towards the dream of Robert Schumann et al of a truly United Europe. It is good that it is forcing Turkey - and other countries - to improve their human rights record, including the abolition of Capital Punishment.
Remember when the Isle of Man had to legalise homosexuality because of its indirect membership of the EU? Wasn't that membership also the reason that they abolished birching?
However, it will also see agreat movement of labour and capital across Europe. Which will be...interesting!
