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19 January 2004
MEPs DEMAND THE RIGHT FOR THE PUBLIC TO HAVE
THEIR SAY IN THE EURO REFERENDUM
Scots Tory Euro MPs John Purvis and Struan Stevenson
are calling on the people of Scotland and the UK to
be given the right to play a part in what is arguably
one of the most important political decisions in the
history of Britain. Through a press advertising campaign
and an online petition, members of the public are being
encouraged to express their support for a Referendum
on the proposed new European Constitution.
Commenting on The Future of Europe Put it to the People
campaign, Struan Stevenson said:
“The issue of whether Britain signs up to a new
European Constitution failed to reach a conclusion after
months of negotiation. Major changes in the way Britain
and other member states are governed are proposed yet
the British public are not being allowed to have their
say. The British Government’s strategy appears
to be: keep its head down and hope that the fuss will
go away. But it can’t and it shouldn’t.
This issue is too important not to seek the views of
the 44.5 million people eligible to vote in Britain.
“We are calling for informed choice and the right
of the people of Scotland and the UK to have their say
on the proposed changes to the European Constitution.
The fundamental changes proposed will result in power
being transferred away from our country to unelected
bodies in other countries.
The Prime Minister must call for a Referendum. As it
stands he is poised
to sign Britain up for these changes without consulting
the will of the people.
“Being a part of Europe has significant benefits
for Scotland and the UK, however the important distinction
is that we form part of a partnership of independent
states who work alongside each other on specified areas
and issues. We certainly don’t want to become
a partner with no voice, no influence and being forced
to follow suit in a political union which is heading
ever closer to becoming a Federal State of Europe.”
John Purvis added:
“No government has the right to sign up to a
European Constitution without the consent of the people
it represents. Europe offers many opportunities for
prosperity, peace and security. Scotland, as part of
the UK, is a willing member in Europe and we want to
make it work.
“Recent coverage suggests that certain countries
are not taking their membership seriously. Countries
that are not adhering to existing directives, and getting
away with it, show the weakness in the ability for the
Union to exercise control within the existing system.
It also serves to remind us that, just because a country
is taking the lead on an issue, it doesn’t necessarily
follow that it is right and to the greater good of all
member states.
“It is contrary to the democratic process our
country is based on to force the British people into
a new arrangement which could result in the balance
of power lying with a particular clique or trend. That’s
why any change to the current system must be put to
the people to decide.”
Note to News Editors
Members of the public can have their say on the need
for a referendum by visiting www.putittothepeople.com
John Purvis - was returned to the European Parliament
in 1999 as one of two Tory MEPs. Having served as MEP
for Mid Scotland and Fife from 1979 to 1984 he is one
of Scotland’s most experienced European parliamentarians.
Within the European Parliament John is Vice Chairman
of the European Parliament's Economic and Monetary Affairs
Committee and is also a member of the Committee on Industry,
External Trade, Research and Energy.
Struan Stevenson - was elected President of the Fisheries
Committee in January 2002. He has served as a Member
of the European Parliament since 1999.
For further information please contact
Elaine McKean
Indigo (PR) Ltd
27 Maritime Street
Edinburgh EH6 6SE
Tel 0131 554 1230
Mobile 07866 602 985
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