§ 13. Ann Winterton (Congleton)If he will consult the people of the United Kingdom on the draft European constitution. [132010]
§ Ann WintertonIt appears that only Ministers believe that the European Union constitution will not affect the sovereignty and integrity of the United Kingdom as a nation state. Most people believe the opposite. When will the Government, who have not hitherto shied away from referendums, stop being so arrogant, hold a referendum on this vital issue and let the people decide?
§ Mr. MacShaneMost people who have examined the draft constitutional treaty, including most of those on the continent, accept that it constitutes a good result for Britain. I congratulate the Convention members who took part in the process. I am confident that the final constitutional treaty that is brought to the House will strengthen the role of the nation state and Britain's standing in Europe. However, I also firmly believe—that is why I was elected to the House—that Parliament should debate and determine such matters.
§ Dr. Nick Palmer (Broxtowe)Does the Minister agree that, in practice, we cannot reject the proposed 19 constitution without casting doubt on the European Union's ability to operate in its expanded form, and that rejection would therefore call into question our membership of the European Union?
§ Mr. MacShaneClearly, my hon. Friend has a point. However, the rules exist and if the constitutional treaty is not ratified by any one of the 25 member states, we shall carry on as before. Undoubtedly, all the incoming states—our friends—want the constitutional treaty to be ratified and operated. One of the saddest aspects of the debate is the way in which the malevolent forces that control the Conservative party's European politics have sent their key henchmen into east Europe to campaign against enlargement. We want an enlarged Europe that works. The constitutional treaty, when it is finally negotiated, should therefore be brought to the House, where I hope that hon. Members will overwhelmingly support it.
§ Angus Robertson (Moray)Will the Minister for Europe confirm that only five days remain for European Union member states to table amendments to non-institutional questions in the planned European Union constitution? What questions will the United Kingdom Government table? Will they involve fishing or will the UK Government allow it to become entrenched as an exclusive competence in the European Union?
§ Mr. MacShaneThe hon. Gentleman mentions fishing, which is of great concern to his constituents, every time the wider issues of Europe are raised. However, he is wrong. We are in an intergovernmental conference—a solemn treaty negotiation between 25 independent, sovereign nation states. Until the last moment, Governments can table whatever matters they want to be decided. That is why it is important to work constructively with our partners and drop primitive anti-Europeanism, which causes great dismay to parties throughout Europe that expect Britain to be a leader in Europe, helping to run it.
§ Mr. Chris Bryant (Rhondda)May I urge my hon. Friend not to listen to the rabid rantings of the 20 Conservatives, and in particular of the Leader of the Opposition, who last week gave a good performance as Neville Chamberlain on acid—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. The hon. Gentleman is out of order.