Menu
16/06/2003
UUP Executive Committee support MEP EU call
The Ulster Unionist Executive Committee has supported a call from UUP MEP Jim Nicholson for a referendum on the new European Constitution.
Mr Nicholson, in his European report to the Executive Committee, told Members that the new constitution will bring about the most radical change to the EU since its inception and since the UK joined 30 years ago.
In a statement Mr Nicholson said: “The Constitution will have a legal personality in its own right and will now go to the European Council meeting in Greece next week for discussion by the 15 European Prime Ministers.
“I am extremely concerned that, under the Constitution, Europe can appoint a full time President and a high representative who would in effect become a foreign Minister for Europe as a whole. Other areas of concern are the loss of the veto which means that all European decisions will be decided under Qualified Majority Voting. What this means in layman’s terms is that National Parliaments would effectively become regional Parliaments."
Mr Nicholson's call follows the Government's recent rejection of the euro. Chancellor Gordon Brown claimed the euro had failed a five point test which would have seen the end the British pound.
Many critics of the euro claim entry would be another steps towards a United States of Europe leaving the affairs of the British public in the hands of European bureaucrats.
Mr Nicholson claimed that the new Constitution would move the UK further along this road.
“This Constitution will supercede all previous treaties and amendments. A great opportunity has been lost to de-centralise decision making in Europe, streamlining Europe and making it more efficient and effective.
"I have always been favour of co-operation with other European states but I don’t want to be dictated to from Brussels. This Constitution is too important and its consequences too far reaching not to be put to the people in a referendum," he concluded.
(MB)
Mr Nicholson, in his European report to the Executive Committee, told Members that the new constitution will bring about the most radical change to the EU since its inception and since the UK joined 30 years ago.
In a statement Mr Nicholson said: “The Constitution will have a legal personality in its own right and will now go to the European Council meeting in Greece next week for discussion by the 15 European Prime Ministers.
“I am extremely concerned that, under the Constitution, Europe can appoint a full time President and a high representative who would in effect become a foreign Minister for Europe as a whole. Other areas of concern are the loss of the veto which means that all European decisions will be decided under Qualified Majority Voting. What this means in layman’s terms is that National Parliaments would effectively become regional Parliaments."
Mr Nicholson's call follows the Government's recent rejection of the euro. Chancellor Gordon Brown claimed the euro had failed a five point test which would have seen the end the British pound.
Many critics of the euro claim entry would be another steps towards a United States of Europe leaving the affairs of the British public in the hands of European bureaucrats.
Mr Nicholson claimed that the new Constitution would move the UK further along this road.
“This Constitution will supercede all previous treaties and amendments. A great opportunity has been lost to de-centralise decision making in Europe, streamlining Europe and making it more efficient and effective.
"I have always been favour of co-operation with other European states but I don’t want to be dictated to from Brussels. This Constitution is too important and its consequences too far reaching not to be put to the people in a referendum," he concluded.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 November 2024
Belfast City Council Approves Range Of Transformative Projects
Belfast City Council's Planning Committee has given the green light to a series of projects aimed at transforming the city's landscape. One significant development is the redevelopment of the former police station at 21 Queen Street into a 74-bedroom hotel.
Belfast City Council Approves Range Of Transformative Projects
Belfast City Council's Planning Committee has given the green light to a series of projects aimed at transforming the city's landscape. One significant development is the redevelopment of the former police station at 21 Queen Street into a 74-bedroom hotel.
21 November 2024
5 New Trends Sweeping The Online Gaming Industry
Online gaming is constantly changing. Each year, new trends emerge that shape the experiences of millions of players worldwide. This year is no different, with several exciting shifts capturing the attention of gamers everywhere.
5 New Trends Sweeping The Online Gaming Industry
Online gaming is constantly changing. Each year, new trends emerge that shape the experiences of millions of players worldwide. This year is no different, with several exciting shifts capturing the attention of gamers everywhere.
19 November 2024
Seating Matters To Create 62 New Jobs In £3.7m Investment
Economy Minister Conor Murphy has announced a significant investment by Seating Matters, a leading global manufacturer of therapeutic seating solutions. The company will invest £3.7 million in its facilities in Limavady and Derry, creating 62 new jobs over the next two years.
Seating Matters To Create 62 New Jobs In £3.7m Investment
Economy Minister Conor Murphy has announced a significant investment by Seating Matters, a leading global manufacturer of therapeutic seating solutions. The company will invest £3.7 million in its facilities in Limavady and Derry, creating 62 new jobs over the next two years.
19 June 2003
No devolution leaves NI disenfranchised in EU says MEP
UUP MEP Jim Nicholson has warned that Northern Ireland could be "disenfranchised within Europe" if local devolved institutions are not restored.
No devolution leaves NI disenfranchised in EU says MEP
UUP MEP Jim Nicholson has warned that Northern Ireland could be "disenfranchised within Europe" if local devolved institutions are not restored.
25 November 2024
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
