IWR in the news

07/11/07

Giant ballot box launches call for referendum

Bristol Evening Post

Campaigners pushing for a referendum on the revised European Constitution launched their campaign on College Green in Bristol.

They brought with them a giant inflatable ballot box, which they say symbolises the wishes of the majority of voters in the South West.

The event was held by South West For A Referendum Campaign, a cross-party group.

Chairman Simon Whitmore said: "The EU Constitution would be a huge transfer of power to Brussels and would be irreversible.

"It would mean even more decisions that affect our daily lives would be taken behind closed doors, by EU politicians who we can't vote out, even if we want to.

"If the Government wants to give even more power to the EU the least it can do is ask us first."

David Heathcoat-Amory, the Conservative MP for Wells who sat on the European Convention which drew up the original EU Constitution, also threw his weight behind the campaign.

He said: "All MPs in the South West were elected on manifestos which promised a referendum on the European Treaty.

"If they don't keep this promise, they don't deserve to be re-elected."

David Drew, Labour MP for Stroud, is also backing the campaign.

He said: "I have always made clear my support for a referendum on the EU Constitution."