EX-MEMBER OF BRITISH PARLIAMENT IN AREA, DISCUSSES POLITICS; BRITAIN SHOULD MOVE CAREFULLY ON EUROPEAN UNION, HE SAYS

A former member of the British Parliament discussed political issues ranging from growth of the European union to the future of the monarchy Wednesday at Southeast Missouri State University.

Matthew Banks, a member of Britain's Conservative Party, visited students at Jackson High School Wednesday morning before speaking to Southeast students and faculty during a well-attended Common Hour presentation in Dempster Hall's Glenn Auditorium.

Banks, currently a political consultant who works with Middle Eastern countries, served in the House of Commons from 1992 until 1997. The opposition Labor Party gained control of the British government during elections earlier this year, ending 18 years of Conservative rule.

Banks said the change in governments has shaken the British establishment but "it was time for a change."

After years of being the minority party, Labor members -- many of whom find themselves in public office for the first time -- are adjusting to being in charge while Conservatives are learning the role of loyal opposition, he said.

The positive initial relationship between new Prime Minister Tony Blair, who ousted Conservative John Major, and President Clinton bodes well for the new government, Banks said.

"I think Mr. Blair has made a great start," Banks said. "It is very important that President Clinton and Tony Blair have hit is off so well."

Banks discussed a number of issues facing Britain, but focused on his country's role in the European union.

While he feels European countries are moving closer to forming a united federation, he doesn't believe a European superstate will arise in the next decade.

"My party as well as the Labor Party are very much split over further integration," Banks said.

The first step, he said, would be for European nations to implement a single currency, a move several nations, including Britain, have been slow to embrace. Banks said a unified currency would diminish Britain's control over its economic policy.

Britain, Banks said, has say in world affairs much greater than its size. The government should ensure that Britain's role on the world stage is preserved and its sovereignty maintained, he said.

"We're talking about doing away with government in Britain as we know it," Banks said. "I know America wouldn't do it; I'm not sure we should do it."

While European countries strive for cooperation, Banks said national interests make it impossible for complete agreement on every issue.

"I'm not confident any European superstate will ever speak with one voice," he said, noting that during the Gulf War tensions ran high among European union members because some, like Britain, stood firmly by the U.S. while others opposed the war.

"I think it could be great economically, but politically I think it will be fragmented," he said of the union.

Turning to the future of the British monarchy, Banks feels it will continue to survive.

"It is there and it will continue. Prince Charles will eventually succeed his mother and Prince William will eventually succeed King Charles," he said.

The outpouring of emotion following the recent death of Princess Diana, he said, is serving to reinvigorate the royal family.