Tuesday 11 March 2008 saw MPs conclude twelve days of debate and scrutiny on the European Reform Treaty.
In essence, it is simply about taking steps to ensure the European Union can work now that so many countries are members – 27 in total. If you have ever served on a committee of any sort, you will know that the more members it has, the more complex matters become. It is therefore right that the existing structures and mechanisms are adapted to reflect the changing nature of the Union.
I think the evolution of the EU has been a great source of strength and stability, not just to Europe but to the world. On my travels in Eastern Europe and the Baltic as a member of the Defence Select Committee and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), I have seen for myself how the promise of EU membership is a powerful force for change in countries with which we were locked in an ideological struggle only twenty years ago. I want to see it prosper and continue to work. This is very important to enhance our position in a very challenging, changeable and sometimes seemingly hostile world.
Many of those who oppose this Treaty have framed their argument in terms of Britain losing control or handing over sovereignty. However, such is the nature of Europe and the world, that many issues and challenges we face today can only be tackled by nation states working together – from climate change to international trade; from preventing human (including child) trafficking to combating terrorism. So for the small amount of power which is transferred, we gain a far greater ability to control and respond to the forces that shape the modern world.
For this reason, I have voted with the Government in passing the law which supports the action of the Prime Minister in signing the Treaty.
I do not believe that this process needs a referendum. It is not what we were talking of at the time of the last election – it is not a constitution. Just because over 90% of the wording of the Treaty is the same absolutely doesn’t make it the same. That’s a bit like arguing that because 98% of the DNA of a mouse is the same of DNA of a man, that a man is a mouse, or a mouse is a man – patently untrue!
A bit of me does sympathise with those – including Liberal Democrats – who agree with what I am saying about the particular law we are passing now, but who argue for a separate referendum on the wider subject of Britain’s relationship with the EU. This would give the chance to make the argument once and for all as to why the European Union is good for Britain; to allow those who don’t agree to argue their case – and then to vote in a referendum committing us to continue as active and positive members.
However, I then think about all the other pressing things we have to do – especially to tackle climate change, for which we need a new law urgently; to bring forward the proposed Marine Bill (which is very important to Plymouth); and also a new law to regulate the private rental sector and do other important things which matter to many people worried about housing in Plymouth.
I hope this has helped at least to explain how I have, as always, given very careful consideration to what we are doing – and what we are not doing - before casting my vote which I believe most certainly represents the interests of my constituents in Plymouth Sutton. I would also like to reassure you on two things:
- Scare stories circulating in a free sheet Plymouth newspaper that the last elections to our Westminster Parliament will be held in 2010 are absolutely untrue. I envisage that I shall continue to work 60-80 hours per week representing Plymouth’s interests – hardly a sign of this Treaty robbing Parliament of work!
- Less than £2 of every £100 of taxpayers money is spent through Europe. Making sure every penny of the other £98 works hard for the public services in the UK will be amongst the things that keep me very busy.
Click the icon below for a chart which shows in very straightforward terms what in my view is likely to happen by voting/not voting for the Reform Treaty.
Also a leaflet setting out why Britain is stronger in Europe:
Linda Gilroy MP
March 2008 | 
