Those NGOs Supporting the EU Constitution

One of the delightful little things out political masters have to persuade us of the merits of the EU Constitution Reform Treaty is the support of a number of NGOs. Of course, we like NGOs, they're not the usual lying spivs who become politicians, we all get warm and fuzzy when we think of their good works in alleviating pain, hunger and suffering around the world. They're a brand, a brand we trust:

Defending the European Constitution Lisbon Treaty at the Dispatch Box yesterday, David Miliband told MPs: “The NSPCC pledged its support, as have One World Action, Action Aid and Oxfam”. He added: “Environmental organisations support the treaty provisions on sustainable development and even the commission of bishops supports the treaty. This is a coalition not of ideology, but integrity”.

As Dan Hannan goes on to point out, things are not quite as they seem. One or two of these groups appear to take EU money: that they toe the line is a little more understandable now, yes?. The Devil (please, only read if the F-bomb and worse doesn't worry you) goes off to have a look at the accounts of the others supporting the Milliboy on this point and finds that:

And who would have thought that that evil little demon, Miliband, would possibly quote a whole load of third parties, in support of this Treaty, who were directly or indirectly funded both by the EU and his party's government, eh?

But I will defend the Foreign Secretary on one point. This is indeed a coalition of integrity.

At least once bought these groups have the integrity to stay bought. Nothing worse than someone who Welshes on a deal.