DEBATE: A CONSTITUTION FOR EUROPE: DO WE NEED ONE?

Two documents provided the background to the debate: the report by a European Union Convention in June 2003 comprising a draft Constitutional Treaty, and a Government White Paper of September 2003 outlining a firm policy that would be advanced at an Inter-Governmental Conference in October 2003 . The plan was to have a treaty ready for signing in June 2004

Although the different party speakers gave their expected opinions, some points of particular emphasis were.:

 

1. Kay Barnard stressed that, whilst a keen European, she still had strong feelings of being British;

 

2. Ian White, as a Parliamentarian wanted a constitution that would move powers away from the Council of Ministers and the Commission;

 

3. David Taylor noted a difference in approach between the Franco-German Green Parties, who aimed for a participatory role both nationally and in the EU, and the British Green Party who alighned with the Scandinavians in following an independent critical role;

 

4. Graham Booth

 

5. Chris Watt

The meeting was well attended and a considerable number spoke from the floor. Robin Anderson, Chairman of Charter 88, Bath branch, opened.

There was much discussion on what were the essentials for a Constitutiion, looking in particular at those of established Federations. A number of speakers felt that the current draft did no give a framework for a Union where voters would feel they had a part, so low turn-outs at elections were likely to continue. This led to pressure from the floor to have a three-way vote. As a result the votes were:

Against a Constitution of any kind – 22

For the proposed Constitution as drafted – 9

In support of a Constitution significantly different from that proposed –18.

Only a small number abstained but a fair number attending for the opening speeches were unable to stay for the vote.

Rodney Tye