Constitution Essential For EU's Success And UK's Prosperity

Speech by Rt. Hon. Sir Menzies Campbell CBE QC delivered to House of Commons on Wed 18th May 2005

In a speech in the House of Commons today, Sir Menzies Campbell MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Foreign Secretary, urged the government to publicly stress the importance of the European Union in the promotion of peace, prosperity, stability and democracy throughout Europe. He said:

"With referendums in France and Holland on the European Constitution, the UK Government can no longer afford to procrastinate on the issue of Europe.

"The Government should publicly stress the importance of the European Union in the promotion of peace, prosperity, stability and democracy throughout Europe.

"Economic prosperity in Britain is underpinned by membership of what is now the world's largest internal market, constituting a fifth of global gross domestic product.

"The treaty for a European Constitution is essential to facilitate the operation of a much enlarged European Union.

"The referendum will be a test of both commitment and nerve for the Government."