Howard calls for clarity on EU Constitution
Conservative leader Michael Howard has written to Tony Blair calling on him to clarify his position on the EU Constitution.
The Prime Minister has repeatedly refused to give any personal view on the constitution.
Mr Blair has said that the French and Dutch ‘no’ votes mean there is no point in Britain holding a referendum at the moment.
Writing to the Prime Minister, Mr Howard called on him to declare the treaty ‘dead’.
Mr Howard said that next week’s EU summit is of “enormous importance” and “the choice is clear. Europe’s leaders could listen to the clear message sent by French and Dutch voters, and announce that the Constitution is dead, as I believe they should.
“On the other hand they could, quite wrongly, ignore the views of the people of France and the Netherlands and continue with the ratification process.”
Mr Howard added: “The President of France and most other European leaders have made clear where they stand on this issue. You have not, despite the fact that you were repeatedly asked about it on Wednesday.
“The British people deserve to know where you stand. Which of these two alternatives will you support at next week’s summit?”
The future of the EU Constitution is likely to dominate next week’s meeting – along with debate over the EU budget and the British rebate.
