Following months of debate and deliberation (most of which has happened behind closed doors) the new Treaty or Constitution as it was formally known has firmly cemented itself back on top of the EU's agenda.
The period of reflection is well and truly over, and as predicted only served as a diversion so that our more pro-European counterparts could adjust their strategy following the rejection of the original draft treaty by the Dutch and the French in 2005.
The Conservatives in the European Parliament are united with our members back home in calling on the Government to grant a referendum on the new EU Treaty.
William Hague recently said "The answer is simple. Trust the people and let them decide". I couldn't agree more. The new Treaty will fundamentally change the European Union and Britain's place in it. Any change to the fundamental powers and role of country requires the British people's explicit consent in a democratic vote.
The British people were promised a referendum three years ago and Gordon Brown is obligated to deliver on that promise. Can we be suprised by the lack of trust citizens feel towards politicians and the negative image of British politics when this referendum has not been delivered? The only way we can fight again public apathy towards politics is to make people feel that their voice is being heard. This cannot be the case when a referendum is not being called despite an overwhelming majority of UK citizens calling for it.
Many EU Leaders have openly confirmed that the new Treaty is essentially the original constitution with a few cosmetic changes to appease its critics and boost support. Allowing this Treaty to pass will result in a major shift in powers from individual member states to Brussels.
To read in more detail what changes are proposed and the impact they will have on UK sovereignty please read The EU Treaty in Plain English, produced by the Conservatives.
We, the Conservative Members of the European Parliament, led by Timothy Kirkhope MEP have been championing the cause here in Brussels and we will do all we can to prevent Gordon Brown and his government from breaking the promise made to the British people.
