Letters | 12 May 2016

Europe is already divided

Sir: The Archbishop Emeritus of Westminster writes eloquently about the historical purpose of a ‘union’ in Europe as being primarily to eliminate the wars that for centuries had characterised Europe (‘Let’s renew the EU’, 7 May). He, and Pope Emeritus Benedict, both point to the shared Christian beliefs that defined all nations of Europe.

But the EU, as it has evolved, is now no expression of such an underlying faith — in fact, the opposite. As he points out, it has removed any official reference to Europe’s common heritage, and is increasingly set on a shallow, utilitarian course. Europe is now more divided than ever, and it will become more so under its present policies. This will not be reversed by the admission of a large Muslim nation, Turkey, as well as Albania and others. It will never rediscover such a common unifying sentiment. In fact, as Cameron unwittingly demonstrated, it is now incapable of reform, which is why Britain should do the opposite of what the archbishop suggests.