Your Say

If you would like to contact Jonathan with any questions or concerns relating to Wales in Europe, you can contact him by sending him an email with your issues or concerns.

News Archive 2004

15/04/2004
Dramatic change surely requires the consent of the people
Letter to Financial Times

Sir

Your editorial "Expedient Populism" (April 13th) is sadly lacking in objectivity. The call by the Conservative Party for the people to decide on the European Union constitution is based on a deep seated belief that its content represents a fundamental shift in the relationship between the people and the EU. That is why the peoples of at least seven member states are to be given the right by their governments to vote in a referendum.

The EU is currently based on a unique blend of inter-governmental and supranational governance. Endowing it with a constitution signifies a move away from an organisation that depends on international treaties towards one with its own autonomous authority. Such a dramatic change in the governance of the EU surely requires the consent of the people.

Recently the Belgian prime minister described this constitution as the "capstone" of a "federal state". I admire his honesty, which is something the British government seems to be lacking.

Jonathan Evans
Leader of the Conservatives
European Parliament
Brussels
Belgium

back to news page