letter to the editor from Richard Corbett MEP

21 June 2007

The Independent

Dear Editor,

Charles Tannock demonstrates the Tories' disingenuous opportunism in demanding a referendum on a new EU treaty (Letters, June 19th). The proposals envisaged at this week's European Council summit are far more modest than the changes brought about by the Single European Act (signed by Margaret Thatcher) or the Maastricht Treaty (signed by John Major). I don't remember the Conservatives calling for a referendum on either of these treaties.

Besides, Mr Tannock is mistaken in claiming that Andrew Duff co-authored a European Parliament report on the EU's constitutional process (the report was actually written by Mr Tannock's EPP colleague Elmar Brok and Enrique Baron). In that debate , the Tory leader in Europe , Tim Kirkhope, said "I am not hostile to the idea of some solution that would improve the workings of the institutions." I look forward to him endorsing the government's line.

Yours,


Richard Corbett

Labour MEP for Yorkshire & Humber
Blenheim Terrace, Leeds