Wrong to call for a referendum

The Spectator is wrong to call for an EU referendum

Jim Murphy

19 September 2007

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The Europe minister responds to our editorial of last week

The claim that ‘more than 60 national vetoes will be lost’ as a result of the Treaty is again wrong. First, the Treaty will introduce majority voting in 50 new areas, not 60. Of these, 13 will only apply to the UK if we decide to participate (for example three apply to the euro). Of the rest, some are mind-bogglingly dull (would any of your readers care to discuss with me the ending of transport subsidies in the state of Saxony due to German reunification?) while others reflect existing practice. The remainder are issues where the UK actively sought majority voting in order to promote our priorities. For example the change to majority voting will enable the EU to provide humanitarian aid faster and more effectively in response to crises.

Britain is prospering in the EU because we are fully engaged in its debates and activities. British ideas have played a leading role in the development of the EU — on enlargement, budget reform, foreign policy and economic dynamism. Britain’s interests are at the centre of the debate not on the margins — and the new Treaty, with its sensible reforms, will help us stay there. We will increase our influence as the ‘weight’ of our vote in the European Council goes up from 8 per cent to over 12 per cent. And beyond these percentages it is by building alliances with our friends across Europe, on a whole host of issues, that we will continue to achieve our goals in Europe and beyond. It is time we put the institutional debate behind us and focused on what really matters: delivering for our citizens.

Who is right? The government or The Spectator? Post your comments on our website — www.spectator.co.uk/coffeehouse.

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John Campbell

October 1st, 2007 9:44pm Report this comment

Rubbish.

bymasson

October 2nd, 2007 1:52pm Report this comment

Regardless of the content, Labour insist that they listen to the people. Even if the reasons people are calling for the referendum are wrong (your opinion, 100% NOT mine) then at the very least you should allow us to vote on it because that is our wish. How can you say you listen to the people but then tell us you won't let us have our say?

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