4th October 2007

The Government’s clear refusal to hold a referendum on the new EU Treaty is a blatant affront to democracy, and in stark contrast with the wishes of most voters. It’s no wonder that increasing numbers would rather stay at home rather than vote in elections.

The EU ‘Reform Treaty’ is a little-changed version of the EU Constitution, as many EU leaders have gleefully declared. Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel, for example, boasts: “The substance of the Constitution is preserved. That is a fact.”.

Our membership of the EU has brought myriad benefits in terms of increased prosperity, regional investment, peace, some of the most enlightened environmental and animal welfare legislation on the globe – and these benefits are felt here in Gloucestershire as much as anywhere.

But for the EU to realise its potential to become a world leader in sustainability and human rights it must remain democratically accountable  - and that can only happen if voters are given a chance to contribute to the debate about Europe’s future and vote directly on any plans to change the UK’s relationship with the EU.

Our democracy is increasingly threatened by our Government’s contempt of the electorate and desire to centralise power as far as possible. Whatever you think about this treaty the British people must have the right to vote on whether to adopt it as promised by Mr Blair.

Dr Carol Kambites,

Stroud District Green party