Referendum A Tough Call

3.30.16pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 21st Apr 2004

Speaking after a meeting of the board of Britain in Europe, Gordon Liberal Democrat Malcolm Bruce MP said:

"It will be a tough call to win a referendum on the proposed EU constitution. However, assuming, as seems likely, Britain wins the key red line issues and the treaty is ratified by the other 24 members, it will be fatally damaging to our long term interests if it is lost.

"It is irresponsible to campaign against a European Constitution before it has been agreed - unless you are against any proposals to improve the workings of an enlarged EU.

"In that case it is naive and dishonest to pretend that Britain alone could refuse to ratify the treaty without suffering serious long term consequences. The Conservatives cannot credibly sell a vision of Europe that no other Member States will buy.

"The nationalists cannot claim to be in favour of Scotland in Europe and then campaign against a negotiated constitution.

"Until the draft is finalised the UK should seek improvements for which we have allies. Then we should focus on what it says, not misrepresentations from those who want to detach Britain from the EU."

Malcolm Bruce MP is a member of the Board of Britain in Europe.