Labour rebels launch assault on EU Constitution
Rebel Labour MPs have launched a campaign against the proposed EU Constitution.
The group, calling itself Labour Against A Superstate, aims to stop the government signing the new treaty.
Founder member Ian Davidson said: “We want to alert people to the dangers posed by the new constitution.
“Many of us want a referendum so we can campaign against the constitution, which would be another huge step towards the creation of a European superstate.”
The Glasgow MP announced that the new group is calling for a referendum on the constitution. Nearly 60 Labour MPs have already backed the Vote 2004 campaign for a referendum, although not all are opposed to the constitution.
The prime minister has already dismissed calls for a referendum on the treaty, which must still be ratified by Parliament this June. He insists that it will not lead to the sort of fundamental changes which would require a public vote.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4, Mr Davidson said Labour Against the Superstate had “just started putting out feelers” but added that he was encouraged by the number of people who support his efforts.
A total of 37 Labour MPs supported the “Labour against the euro” campaign and Mr Davidson claims there is wider euroscepticism within the party. He says that around 20 Labour MPs are set to join the group when it officially launches next month.
Ex-Sports Minister Kate Hoey has reportedly vowed to back Labour Against A Superstate, as has vocal backbencher Gisela Stuart, who helped draw up the constitution.
Mr Davidson claims that the draft constitution is a move towards greater centralisation of power and could lead to Britain being run by Europe.
He told the Today programme: “I believe that when Tony Blair listens to the party and the country and the people as a whole, he will recognise that there is overwhelming opposition to signing up to a new European constitution, which effectively would create a European superstate.”
EU leaders have set a deadline of June 17th to reach agreement over the constitution. European and local elections are being held in the UK on June 10th.
