Evening Standard comment: The PM has much to play for in Europe

 
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David Cameron’s trip to Brussels is a useful opportunity for him to declare that the institution needs radical reform on account of being “too big, too bossy and too interfering”. But the trip may also have the effect of cheering him up after the Tories’ unprepossessing performance in the European elections — about half a percentage point behind Labour in the share of votes. However well Ukip did, the PM’s position is preferable to that of François Hollande, whose Socialist Party was trounced by Marine Le Pen’s National Front. A woebegone Mr Hollande said this was “traumatic for France and for Europe”. Certainly it confirms his own record-breaking unpopularity with his own electorate.

The other good thing about the elections from Mr Cameron’s point of view is that it has shaken all the leaders of the mainstream parties — and pro-EU parties still constitute 70 per cent of the parliament — into a realisation of the restiveness of European electors. And that suits the Prime Minister, who is extremely anxious to secure the backing of other European leaders for his proposed reforms to the EU ahead of an in-out referendum. Angela Merkel, who saw off her own anti-EU opposition (though the Alternative für Deutschland still won a breakthrough seven seats) may be far more sympathetic now to his bid for some showcase reforms to put before voters as proof that he can change the EU from within. Mr Hollande does not accept the need for substantive reform so much as a change of emphasis in the system as it stands. Mr Cameron will also do his best to see off the bid by the federalist Jean-Claude Juncker to be President of the Commission. However, the sheer indifference of British voters means a victory will not do much to see off the Ukip factor, driven more by concerns about immigration than about the Commission.

Ukip must decide how to play its strong hand in the EU. Its record is patchy, combining willingness to claim EU expenses with absenteeism from most votes. It should be possible to combine its bid for UK withdrawal with a willingness to work the system in British interests, not least by ensuring that the institution costs taxpayers as little as possible. Campaigning to slash MEPs’ expenses and the publicity budget of the EU would be popular.

Mr Cameron has everything to play for. Ed Miliband has usefully confirmed that Labour would not hold an in-out referendum on Europe — had he done so, that would have shot Mr Cameron’s fox. He must now bear out his argument that Europe can be reformed from within.

Boris and the renters

The Mayor is doing his bit to improve life for London’s growing army of renters by issuing a kitemark for private landlords who conform to best practice in 15 respects, including dealing with necessary repairs quickly. The move will bolster the position of reputable landlords, though the code is voluntary, not compulsory.

But in a city where there are tenants chasing property to rent rather than the other way around, landlords have the stronger hand. The way to improve life for renters is to increase the number of rentals available by encouraging big institutions to enter the market to a far greater extent, as in Germany. That, however, is a matter for government.

Football boffins

It's cheering that the finest brains of Britain, including Professor Stephen Hawking and a team from Goldman Sachs, are focused on what really matters: England’s chances in the World Cup. If only it could be won by brainpower alone.

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