The EU today has 25 member countries. Every 5 years the citizens of each country choose their members of the European Parliament (MEP). Different countries are allocated different numbers of MEPs. 72 MEPs are elected to represent the
If you are sick and tired of lurid headlines or conspiratorial babble put about by committed Europhobes, Manor Ward Labour Party offers this here little library of Eurotopics characterised by informed, rational debate. We would welcome your contributions via the HAVE YOUR SAY facility. *************************************************************************************************
The Lisbon Treaty
This Treaty replaces the 'European Constitution' which was rejected by French and Dutch voters in 2005. It will be formally signed on the 13th December, 2007 and comes into effect in 2009. The new Treaty is designed to speed up decision-making in the expanded Union and includes the creation of a new longer-term president of the European Council and an EU foreign policy chief.
Like many Manor Ward residents, Brigitte is pleased that there is now a new set of rules and procedures that will not only speed up but also improve decision-making. National governments have also been given a much greater say in scrutinising, and even blocking, EU directives. The Treaty allows all member states to concentrate on making the EU work for and with each other to be benefit of everyone. Hopefully, this is the end of sulking in the side-lines. Click HERE for an overview of the Lisbon Treaty.
The Referendum
The package of reforms agreed by the European Council to replace the constitutional treaty certainly do not justify holding a referendum. The "constitutional" character of the treaty has been dropped and the contents are far less significant than previous treaties. Interestingly, not a single other government intends to hold a national referendum on the matter, with the exception of Ireland which is required to hold one on any changes to the European treaties, however minor.
Some people would probably want a Referendum on the colour of toothpaste if it were offered. But this is not how democracy works in this country. Here we elect our representatives (MEP) on a Party basis and they represent us in the EU Parliament. Furthermore, not only does our elected Government send representatives to the EU Commission, Britain also gets to lead the EU on a rotational basis. Rupert Murdoch should not have a say in matters affecting British citizens.