Give public Europe vote, says think-tank

Eurosceptics are infuriated by the draft

There should be a referendum on new plans for the future of the European Union, says a leading right-wing think-tank.

The Centre for Policy Studies says the convention on EU reform, which has just produced its draft plans, is a defining moment in British history.

There is no reason to assume that Britain could not negotiate a special position within a new EU treaty

Norman Blackwell
Centre for Policy Studies

Q&A: What is the convention on Europe's future?

In a new report, the think-tank challenges the UK's political leaders to be open with the public about the possible consequences of the reforms.

Alternatives such as negotiating a status for the UK outside states pushing ahead with any political union should also be considered, it says.

Last week, UK ministers said draft plans for the future EU being run "on a federal basis" are unacceptable.

Biggest step yet?

British officials privately described the draft as bizarre and claimed it had no chance of forming the basis of a final treaty.

Welsh Secretary Peter Hain, the government's lead minister in the convention negotiations, said: "There is absolutely no chance of a Brussels federal super state being erected on the back of this."

Hain says he is relaxed about the draft plans

But Norman Blackwell, author of the new CPS pamphlet, says the convention means the "most significant step yet in the evolution of the European Union could be imminent".

There is growing evidence that the convention is more likely to signal the final steps towards full political union, rather than marking the "high tide of the integrationists", he says.

Mr Blackwell continues: "The issues raised are so fundamental that the case for a referendum is unanswerable."

Bargaining power

He argues there should be open public debate on a series of key questions, such as whether a new-look EU would protect British interests.

Other key questions include whether there is enough convergence of culture and political values across Europe "to support the creation of a single, democratic government", he goes on.

Mr Blackwell argues the UK's right to veto any new treaty does give it substantial bargaining power.

"There is no reason to assume that Britain could not negotiate a special position within a new EU treaty that protected its economic interests without being part of the core of integrating states," he says.

The UK should not fear withdrawing from the EU to "associate status" if that is the only way to protect its nationhood, continues Mr Blackwell.

He concludes: "This is truly a defining moment in British history.

"Will Britain's leaders prove themselves up to the challenge of being open with the people about the true consequences of what is proposed?"

They then need to carry the public with them, he suggests.

Mr Hain has said he is relaxed about the convention's draft plans and confident the UK's position will win through.