letter to the editor from Richard Corbett MEP |
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14 September 2007 |
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Spectator |
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Dear Editor, Nigel Lawson's entire article in favour of a referendum on the proposed Reform Treaty (26th September) is based on a false premise. He repeats the Eurosceptic argument that it is a "self amending" treaty. However, no change to the EU treaties can be made without the approval of each and every Member State. Whether or not we want to make further changes to the EU treaty therefore lies entirely in our hands. Even under the simplified procedure for minor changes, according to the new treaty, these must be notified to the national Parliaments and, if even a single one objects, the changes "shall not be adopted". His claim that the Reform Treaty would reduce the role of national parliaments in EU decision making is equally unfounded. In fact, the treaty increases their role. Under the Reform Treaty, for the first time, national parliaments will be guaranteed the opportunity of a direct say on every Commission legislative proposal before governments negotiate on them in the Council of Ministers. This should enhance the ability of national parliaments to shape the position taken by their own minister and to better scrutinise his/her actions in Brussels . National parliaments will also have the power to send proposals back to the Commission, if even a minority (a third) believe the issue should be for national – not European – law. This system, often referred to as the "yellow card"' procedure was, in large part, a UK idea. How Nigel Lawson feels this is a diminution of national parliaments is anyone's guess, but the reality of the treaty text, as opposed to the Eurosceptic scaremongering, demonstrates how ludicrous calls to oppose the treaty are. Yours, Richard Corbett Labour MEP for Yorkshire & Humber
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