Public deserve real choice on Europe

5.35.51pm GMT Fri 14th Sep 2007

Ming calls for a Euro referendum

Ahead of his Party Conference, which begins tomorrow, Liberal Democrat Leader Menzies Campbell, has called for the public to be given a real choice on the European Union.

Menzies Campbell said:

"It's time for the political parties to end the shadow boxing on Europe and enter into an honest debate about the European Union.

"We will not know the final shape of the European Reform Treaty until later this year and that is the right time to make the judgement as to whether the changes it proposes necessitate a referendum. My own view is that in its present form the substantial differences between the draft Treaty and the old constitution mean that a referendum is not required.

"But I am not prepared to allow David Cameron to lead the Europhobes and their allies in sections of the media, to distort the debate on Europe without challenge.

"Fifteen years ago Liberal Democrats demanded a referendum on the Maastricht treaty which established the European Union, but the Conservative government refused it.

"Today David Cameron tries to pose as a champion of the people but in truth he wishes to restrict the British people to a choice on a narrow question about a treaty of far less significance.

"I don't intend to let him get away with offering us such a false debate and such a false choice.

"If there is to be a referendum it shouldn't be restricted to a comparatively minor treaty. It must be a decision about the EU as a whole.

"Let's have an honest debate on the European Union followed by a real choice for the British people. That means a referendum on Britain's membership of the EU. We would ask the British people the big question - whether to remain in the European Union or not.

"I will lead the Liberal Democrats at the forefront of that debate.

"We will make the overwhelming case for Europe and trust the people to make the right choice."