Why do the LibDems think we should be in the EU?

A LibDem MEP called Chris Davies bemoans his colleagues decision to hide the EU Auditors' report on the Union's finances over on Comment is Free.

"Taxpayers could be forgiven for believing that there are more honest people to be found in prison than sit in the European parliament." This was my comment after MEPs voted on Tuesday by majorities of more than 2:1 to prevent publication of auditors' reports that reveal the flagrant misuse of public money by some.

All very commendable, I'm sure, particularly as Mr Davies appears to have put himself in the firing line by standing up in this way. It's probably just as well that he's an elected representative though. If he were a humble (or even a not-so-humble) eurocrat he would have found himself out on his ear long before this.

It's amazing how the political classes keep up their support for the EU in the face of every scandal, every destructive regulation, every cock-eyed directive that emerges from the doors of the EU edifice. I never understand how the LibDems can bring themselves to join the happy throng singing the praises of the supranational joys of rule from Brussels.

Whichever way you look at it, Brussels is delivering the opposite of liberalism. For the LibDems to support it makes no sense. Brussels gives us centralised government and big government. Really big. This is supersized government with extra fries and a stonking great tub of lard to dip them in. All served up in a gilded trough that will tickle the fancy of even the most discerning snout.

"But don't worry!", say the LibDems. "The EU will change. We are working to change it.They are coming round to our way of doing things."

And what about the corruption? As Mr Davies failed to point out, the EU auditors have now refused to sign off the Union's accounts for thirteen years on the trot. "Ah, but the corruption is taking place in member states", say the LibDems. "Don't worry, they'll change. We're working hard on it."

And the lunacy of EU governance. What about that? The Common Agricultural Policy, The Common Fisheries Policy, The Reach directive, The Biofuels Obligation? "Don't worry. They'll see things our way soon", say the LibDems. "There are new faces in European capitals. An opportunity is coming to change the EU for the better."

After all these years, and with what? nothing to show for the LibDems' persuasive powers at all? it all rings rather hollow, wouldn't you say?