On Monday 1st July Croatia became the 28th country to join the EU. Ironic then that at the moment a new country joins, Westminster was preparing to discuss and debate an In / Out referendum which was held yesterday which was tabled by James Wharton MP. After its second reading, there was a unanimous vote of 304 to 0 for a referendum. Just 6 Labour MP’s took part, and no Liberal Democrats.
Croatia now has to consider the impact of Commission Regulation (EC) No 2257/94; Laying down minimum quality standards for a banana which must exceed 140mm in length and be at least 2.7cm in diameter (amongst other specific criteria) for a basic Grade 2 banana with Grades 1 and ‘Extra’ having to meet more stringent and exemplary standards including the absence of “defects of shape”.
How dull would Blackadder have been if Baldrick were unable to present a Turnip shaped ‘just like a Thingy’ to Lord Blackadder’s wealthy relatives because medieval rules would have resulted in it being sent for mashing instead. I am all in favour of finding ‘Thingy’ shaped edibles in the fresh fruit and veg aisles of my local Morrisons. Why not brighten the day.
In the meantime as the In / Out referendum is the topic of the week, I should like to share this comparison on weighty documentation with you which occasionally does the rounds on the internet. Sadly, it is urban myth, however, it does highlight the perception of the administration and impact of the EU, and the truth is not far away…
Pythagoras’ Theorem: …………………….24 words.
Lord’s Prayer: ………………………………. 66 words.
Archimedes’ Principle: ……………………………67 words.
Ten Commandments: …………………………………179 words.
Gettysburg Address: ……………………………………286 words.
US Declaration of Independence : …………………………1,300 words.
US Constitution with all 27 Amendments: ……………………7,818 words.
EU Regulations on the Sale of CABBAGES: ……………………..26,911 words
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