GUY DICKENSON is right that the EU Commission is not, of itself a sovereign state ("EU reform – best change will come from within", June 20) but, taken together with the other EU institutions, the EU itself is very close to being so.
Since the treaty of Lisbon, the EU is constitutionally separate from and superior to its member states, who are more like regional states in a federation.
The EU Commission is a uniquely powerful institution. It is the only EU body which has the valid power to propose a new law or the repeal of an old one. It also enforces them. No resolution of the EU parliament or of the European Council can do so. They can only ask the Commission to act but the Commission is not bound to take anybody's advice. That is the unique feature of what Jean Monnet, one of the EU's founding fathers, originally termed "The High Authority" in the original Coal and Steel Community. Although it has a less grandiose title, the EU Commission has far greater powers.
Dr Hallstein, the first president of the EU Commission (1958-1967), wrote: "As I see it, the Commission should eventually be empowered to take all measures necessary for the implementation of the Treaty on its own authority, without having to rely on special and specific approval by the Council of Ministers". That is what has happened.
All experience shows that EU legislation is a one-way ratchet, always gathering more power away from democratic control in member states to the unelected Commission in the centre.
The Eurozone countries are grouping themselves ever more tightly together in a single economic government or debt union. Between them they have a majority of the votes. So Britain, always a second-class member paying a first-class subscription, will be relegated to permanent peripheral status in everything but its financial contribution – a payer, not a player.
The only effective way of negotiating a new relationship with the EU is to serve notice to quit under Article 50 of the Lisbon treaty and to make a suitable trade arrangement which will be in the interests of our European neighbours and ourselves.
The Campaign for an Independent Britain is running an all-day workshop entitled "Everything you wanted to know about leaving the EU but 'they' wouldn't tell you" on July 11 in Derby. Places cost £10 (including refreshments) and are limited. Our members have first priority but I will do my best to find a place for anyone who is genuinely interested.
Edward Spalton
Hon Secretary
Campaign for an Independent Britain
Sutton Lane
Etwall
