letter to the editor from Richard Corbett MEP

23 January 2008

The Times

Dear Editor,

Bill Cash et al (letter, Jan 21) are guilty of a series of distortions and untruths about the Lisbon Treaty. First, contrary to their claims, the Charter of Fundamental Rights will not increase (or diminish) the rights of workers to strike — the charter itself states that this is up to national legislation, a point that is reaffirmed by a legally binding protocol stating that the charter does not create any new rights in British law.

With regard to their allegation that the UK will lose control of its criminal justice system, the reality is that the UK retains the right to opt in or out of such decisions as it chooses.

Finally, the merger of the two existing EU external relations posts will not give the new high representative any new powers. EU foreign policy will remain intergovernmental and the high representative will be able to speak for the EU on policy only where every country, including Britain, agrees.

Bill Cash et al describe the Lisbon treaty as a "fundamental threat to the livelihoods, business and government of the British people". This reminds us of similar claims made by John Redwood that ratifying the Amsterdam Treaty would "abolish" Britain. Such claims are as absurd now as they were then.

Yours,

Richard Corbett

Labour MEP for Yorkshire & Humber
Blenheim Terrace, Leeds

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