European Treaty Referendum

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 2:56 pm on 11 June 2003.

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Photo of Michael Moore Michael Moore Shadow Minister (Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs) 2:56, 11 June 2003

If the hon. Gentleman does not mind, I will not, as I have given way a number of times.

Ministers have resisted calls for a policy paper, but surely once the draft treaty has been published they cannot resist any longer. As we are talking about increasing openness and accountability in the European Union, why should the Government not lead by example and set out their proposals clearly and concisely? We hear much about the diplomatic red lines around issues that they will not concede, but what about the vision? Where is the grand plan? The IGC will no doubt be long and arduous, but it may surprise us and surpass historically low expectations, delivering more the proposals with which it began. We will not hold our breath but, whatever our expectations, only when a final treaty is available will we be able to assess the constitutional impact for this country and for Europe. Only then should we decide whether or not a referendum is needed.