I am one of ten Members of European Parliament for the South East England region of the United Kingdom, covering the Isle of Wight, East Sussex, West Sussex, Hampshire, Kent, Surrey, Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.
Remainers seem to think the EU can be reformed if we stay in—here’s why we should be sceptical
On balance, I find it highly unlikely that the EU is capable of serious reform. So let's lead the way on leaving it.... The link to the full article in Prospect Magazine is below: Prospect magasine article by Diane
EU Army On Manoeuvres
BRITISH MEP DIANE JAMES COMMENTED EXCLUSIVELY TO BREXIT FACTS4EU.ORG We asked seasoned observer of the EU's military ambitions, Diane James MEP, for her thoughts on these latest developments: The full text of the article is here on: facts4eu.org
From data rules to EU ‘click taxes’, Britain needs a plan to protect the digital economy
This article was originally published on the City AM website. The UK has developed an enviable digital economy, worth £160bn a year according to Tech Nation. The Harvard Business Review has estimated that the sector accounts for 16 per cent of domestic output, 10 per cent of employment, and 24 per cent of exports. Yet, despite its size and value, the digital economy was somewhat absent from the Brexit debate. Much more was heard about financial…
Are Gove’s Green policies just an excuse to raise taxes?
This article was originally published on the CapX website. What is behind Michael Gove’s love for all things environmental? Despite David Cameron’s attempt to paint the Conservatives as “Green”, the party has never really enjoyed much of a reputation as being particularly pro-environment. That mantle has tended to rest with the Liberal Democrats and, naturally, the Green Party. Could it be that Gove is determined to really clean up the state of the nation, or…
Brexit deal not looking good
This article was originally published on the EU Observer website. I cannot believe that there are too many people who believe that the whole Brexit negotiation process is running smoothly. But with so many vested interests, both economic and political, this was always going to be the case, especially when David Cameron had ruled out any pre-referendum involvement by the civil service, and the subsequent nine month delay in actually invoking Article 50. But as the…
Work Experience Programme 2018
I am accepting applications from exceptional candidates for my work experience programme held during the Strasbourg Plenary weeks. If you wish to apply, then please fill out your details here. You must be available during the following dates: 5-8 February, 12-15 March, 16-19 April, 28-31 May, 11-14 June or 2-5 July 2018.
The Customs Union
Staying in the EU's Customs Union means that we would not be able to make our own trade deals. That's a fact!
Second EU Referendum
I see no reason, no justification and no rationale for a second EU Referendum and in any case, I can't see the Leave vote being overturned.
Nigel Farage is wrong to consider a second EU referendum
This article was originally published on the Prospect Magazine website. We’ve had the vote and it’s been ratified in parliament. A rerun would be untenable—and risky for both businesses and the public sector. My erstwhile colleague, Nigel Farage MEP, has said that he could possibly consider supporting a second EU membership referendum to ‘kill off’ the Remain campaign for a generation. Notwithstanding the poor choice of words, I believe that Nigel is wrong—a second referendum is…
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
2017 was my first year as an independent MEP in the European Parliament, but you can rest assured that I have continued my efforts as a Eurosceptic and 'Clean Brexit' campaigner on your behalf. My voting record in the plenary sessions remains one of the highest of the UK MEPs. My attendance and voting at the Constitution Committee (AFCO) is also one of the highest. I have continued to be vocal in the chamber, ensuring…