LIBDEM leader Ed Davey was told by a BBC presenter it was “so weird” he would not answer a question on the EU during an interview.
Victoria Derbyshire, who was standing in for Laura Kuenssberg on her Sunday morning show, initially confronted Davey with a world cloud which suggested people had “no idea” what he stood for.
We previously told how the LibDems were accused of “throwing in the towel” after Davey said people on the doorstep just “aren’t talking about Europe”.
When the conversation turned to the EU, Davey (below) said his party remains “very pro-European” and that they want the UK to be “at the heart of Europe”.
He continued: “We’re also deeply realistic about what’s going to have to be done to enable us to improve our relations with Europe.
“Unfortunately, this Conservative government has soured our relations and European politicians don’t trust the UK anymore and that’s a very sad position. It’s against our national interest.
“The next parliament, the next government has got to engage with Europe in a way this government isn’t doing.”
Derbyshire then asked if it was still the LibDems' position that the party want “a longer-term objective of UK membership of the EU”.
Davey replied: “I’ve been really clear that Britain must be at the heart of Europe” to which the presenter interjected to ask if this meant “rejoining”.
The LibDem leader continued: “What it means is we’ve got to start where we are at the moment and rebuild those relationships.
“At the moment European politicians are not listening to the UK.”
Davey was told he was “deflecting from the question” and once again asked if the long-term goal was to rejoin the EU.
READ MORE: Grant Shapps clashes with BBC presenter on Laura Kuenssberg show
He said: “That’s currently not on the table. I’m telling you in our manifesto we are focusing in on what’s got to be done over the next five years to strengthen our economy, to strengthen our security.
“I really want to rebuild that trust, rebuild that relationship so we can be at the heart of Europe. That is going to take time.”
Derbyshire then asked Davey if he could “just say out loud” that his party want to rejoin the EU but added: “You won’t say the words. It’s so weird.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel