Ask James
Do you have a question that you want to ask James? If so please feel free to email, call or arrange for James to come round and meet you. Any questions you email will be replied to and will also be copied on this web site for all members to view.
Do you think Turkey should be admitted to the EU?
Turkey was accepted as eligible to join the EU in 1963, and there is no reason to change this position. The opportunity to join the EU is a great incentive for the Turkish government to implement policies to strengthen democracy, observe human rights and open the economy up in a free and fair way. This approach has already led to the successful abolition of the death penalty in Turkey and the benefits of EU membership are a potent carrot for reform. Continued negotiations will hopefully lead to the resolution of the Cyprus issue and ensure Europe’s eastern borders are more secure. Failure to progress Turkey's entrance risks the EU being seen as a Christian club excluding its Muslim neighbour, which could have potentially damaging effects on the views of Muslims inside the EU and those in neighbouring countries.