Prime Minister’s refusal to let British people have their say on EU Treaty is an affront to democracy says Nicholson
Ulster Unionist Member of the European Parliament Jim Nicholson MEP has said the Prime Minister’s refusal to hold a referendum on the EU Treaty agreed last night at a meeting of EU Leaders in Lisbon is an affront to democracy.
The Treaty of Lisbon will be signed by EU Leaders on December 13th in Lisbon.
In a statement Mr Nicholson said,
“The new EU Treaty will have a profound effect on the way the UK is governed taking further powers away from Member States and it is nothing less than an affront to democracy that the Prime Minister will not allow the British people to have their say on it.
“The new EU Treaty contains more than 90% of the original constitution that was rejected in 2005 by the French and Dutch voters. The name may have changed but the substance is still the same.
“No – one disagrees with the need for fundamental reform in the EU so that it can become more accountable, transparent and more responsive to people’s needs but this is not the answer.
“At a time when public confidence and belief in the work of the EU is at an all time low the Prime Minister should be encouraging people in Northern Ireland and all across the UK to debate the future direction of the EU, not stifling discussion and attempting to bring the constitution in through the back door.”