Minister for Having Your Euro Cake and Eating It

Across the border in Milton Keynes South, the MP is revolting.  I mean, against the tyranny of the EU.

Milton Keynes was competing to be the European City of Culture. Which seems fair enough in one sense- it has a cracking "Theatre District" - and yet in another sense it's odd. After all, it isn't even a city. But maybe that isn't important. Anyway, what is important is that MK can no longer be the City of Culture. The clue why isn't the word "City". It's the concept of "European".

You see, the UK has voted for Brexit. And City of Culture is an EU scheme. And you can only be the European City of Culture if you're in a country which is in the EU, or a candidate for it, or in the EFTA or EEA.

None of which apply to the current plans for Brexit. So poor old MK - which voted out of the EU - can't be the European City of Culture. You may wonder about the state of a town which votes to leave Europe but wants to be the European City of Culture. But not the MP for MK South, who tweets:

I've heard the EU will no longer be accepting UK cities for the Capital of Culture. Seems a very bitter decision, we are not turning our backs on Europe yet this is looks like they are turning their backs on us. I will be seeking urgent clarification from DCLG.

— Iain Stewart MP (@iainastewart) November 23, 2017

I'm looking forward to Iain Stewart getting the portfolio as Minister for Cake. And explaining how his policy is that we should both have it, and eat it.

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Want a good laugh? Want to laugh at the church? Want to be secretly suspicious that the author has been sitting in your church committee meetings taking notes? Then Writes of the Church: Gripes and grumbles of people in the pews is probably the book for you. An excellent book for your churchgoing friends, relatives or vicar. And don't forget it's nearly Christmas!