Britain should tell Europe where to go. But, of course they don't have strong Conservative leaders these days; no conservative government really - worse than Australia.

I really enjoyed watching Margaret Thatcher on the Timeline channel the other night. The English-speaking world has certainly gone to pot since her's and Ronald Reagan's demise.

*...The gruesome spectacle of territorial aggression, ruined fish stocks and environmental degradation seems, at least as things stand, imminent...*

Let’s worry about our own back yard.

Australia effectively does not have a Navy of its own with capability of patrolling the vastness of its territorial waters,
We also have a Government so locked in and compromised by trade deals, its inability a decision making on the run is non existent.

It took the unwelcome Sea Shepherd private navy, to perform Australian responsibilities in the Southern waters, to finally bring the Japanese illegal slaughter of protected whales under control: And Japan is an allied nation.

And right now, at this moment, China stands on our doorstep, a hostile nation, with intentions to plunder Australian territorial waters.

We have enough problems of our own, thanks very much!

Dan

Hasn't this been an issue and the cause of belligerence since the Middle Ages?

Hey Dan,

What is your solution?

Sorry, but the European Union needs to be told GFY! We won't fire across your bows but straight into the bridge of offending vessels! We as a sovereign nation expect to have the same rights as Iceland! End of story.
Alan B.

Chris Lewis.

My immediate solution is to fund Sea Shepherd discreetly, and task it with what it does magnificently. Hunt down poachers.

As has been demonstrated, they are focused and non encumbered with diplomacy issues such as Governments are.

Our remnant navy can then be a back up resource if things get nasty for the private navy.

Dan