European Salon de News, Discussion et Klatsch – 18 June | 89 comments (89 topical, editorial, 0 hidden)

Blair says referendum not needed on EU constitution - Independent Online Edition > UK Politics

Tony Blair has ruled out a referendum on a new treaty to reform the European Union as ministers prepare for intense negotiations ahead of next week's EU summit.
Mr Blair had pledged to hold a referendum on the planned EU constitution in 2004 before the document was rejected by voters in France and Holland.
Yesterday No 10 insisted that the agreement expected to be sealed next week would lead only to an "amending treaty" that did not need to be approved at the polls.
But the Conservatives insisted that major reform of the EU should be approved by a referendum.
The German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who will chair the summit, is pressing for a deal which preserves much of the changes in the constitutional treaty, which floundered two years ago.
But Mr Blair's spokesman insisted: "This treaty should be an amending treaty. Previous amending treaties have not required a referendum and we do not believe that this treaty should have the characteristics of a constitution."

by Fran on Mon Jun 18th, 2007 at 12:34:57 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Europe (4.00 / 2)

FT.com / In depth - EU citizens want referendum on treaty

Plans by Europe's leaders to push a reworked European Union constitution on to the statute book without further referendums are strongly opposed by European citizens, according to an exclusive FT/Harris opinion poll.
Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, will seek an outline agreement this week on a replacement for the EU constitution, shot down by French and Dutch voters in referendums in 2005.
But this time Ms Merkel, whose country holds the rotating EU presidency, wants member states to ratify a new "simplified" treaty through national parliaments to avoid further public rejections.

by Fran on Mon Jun 18th, 2007 at 12:36:03 AM EST
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Re: Europe (4.00 / 2)

EU referendum possible, Hoon says | Special Reports | Guardian Unlimited Politics

Gordon Brown has not ruled out a British referendum on the new EU treaty being negotiated this week by leaders in Brussels, according to the Europe minister, Geoff Hoon.
On Friday, Downing Street tried to suggest a referendum was out of the question since Britain would never agree to any transfer of powers that justified such a move.
Mr Hoon is close to the incoming prime minister and his position may reflect a view in his circle that he should not be seen to be ruling out a referendum in advance. Speaking on the BBC, Mr Hoon said: "Clearly a judgment has got to be made in terms of what is in the final package. It is important not to prejudge the outcome of the negotiations, but equally we are trying to negotiate an amending treaty - a treaty that is consistent with the treaties that have, in the past, changed the way the European Union works."

by Fran on Mon Jun 18th, 2007 at 01:00:23 AM EST
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Ah (4.00 / 4)

Tony Blair has ruled out a referendum on a new treaty to reform the European Union as ministers prepare for intense negotiations ahead of next week's EU summit.

But of course he would.

Seriously, everyone is seeing through you Tony. You can drop the farce already, wasn't it for the fact that you single-handedly beat The Office for being more cringing hilarious. Please come up to the stage to collect your BAFTA.

Fran:

"This treaty should be an amending treaty. Previous amending treaties have not required a referendum and we do not believe that this treaty should have the characteristics of a constitution."

ROFL!!!!!!!!!!

by Nomad (Bjinse) on Mon Jun 18th, 2007 at 03:28:32 AM EST
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Re: Ah (4.00 / 3)

I am inclined to think that Blair needs an amending punch right above where that silly grin emanates...

You can't be me, I'm taken

by Sven Triloqvist on Mon Jun 18th, 2007 at 04:06:18 AM EST
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Re: Europe (4.00 / 2)

He would say that, wouldn't he?

Can the last politician to go out the revolving door please turn the lights off?

by Carrie (migeru at eurotrib dot com) on Mon Jun 18th, 2007 at 04:44:29 AM EST
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European Salon de News, Discussion et Klatsch – 18 June | 89 comments (89 topical, 0 editorial, 0 hidden)