Mandelson Gets Something Right

EU Commissioner Peter Mandelson has been talking about the Treaty Referendum issue. Here is a selection of his pontifications.

1. "It is not for me to express a view on the UK's domestic decision about a referendum".
2. "I note the British government says that this is not a treaty which requires one".
3. "Britain is not a country governed by the use of referenda".
4. "And those who argue for one in reality all too often want Britain to withdraw".
5. "Those pro-Europeans arguing for a referendum risk being drawn into supporting this agenda".

Well he got the first one right, anyway. It's a pity he didn't quit while he was ahead. In fact it's a pity he didn't quit about 20 years ago.

Peter Mandelson is a civil servant. He is unelected. His salary is paid out of our taxes. He has no place preaching to us about our constitutional affairs, and he has no control over whether we have a vote on whether to cede more sovereignty to the EU. Doubtless he would like that situation to be different - referenda are very inconvenient for the likes of Mandelson; they let the people express a point of view.

But until such a time that we lose our voice entirely, or until he actually gets elected by someone, he should shut up, and get on with his job.