§ Bob Spink (Castle Point) (Con)The European Union constitution would undermine Britain's ability to set its policies in key matters such as the economy, asylum and law and order. It would give the unaccountable European Union a president, a foreign minister and its own legal system—elements that distinguish statehood. The House and Members of Parliament are here to protect Britain's liberties, not sell them down the river. That is why we in Castle Point compiled a petition to force the spin-obsessed Government to listen to the people. Hundreds of Castle Point people of all political persuasions queued up in all weathers to sign it.
The petition states:
To the House of CommonsThe Petition of Persons on the electoral roll in the parliamentary constituency of Castle Point, and others, declaresThat the proposed European Constitution, with which Her Majesty's Government have agreed in principle, involves grave and significant constitutional issues that affect democracy in the United Kingdom, self-government and the national interest, and makes fundamental changes in the relationship of the United Kingdom with the European Union.The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons pass legislation to authorise a referendum of the electorate on the European Constitution at the conclusion of the intergovernmental conference.And the Petitioners remain, etc.To lie upon the Table.