Allister says, 'Period of Reflection' is phoney
22 February 2006
At the Constitutional Affairs Committee of the European Parliament in Brussels today, Jim Allister MEP, challenged the veracity of the so called "period of reflection" introduced following the rejection of the Constitution in France and Holland.
Mr Allister said:
"We were told this pause for reflection was a genuine opportunity for all Member States to take stock as to the future of Europe. We find, however, that it is wholly partisan in its implementation. In terms of a pause this has occurred in respect of referenda only in those countries where a 'No' vote was feared, but where a 'Yes' was assured, no pause was required. Likewise, the exhortation to reflect seems only to apply to the anti-Constitution countries. I see no pressure to reflect on countries like Spain which approved the Constitution. No reflection is urged so that they might reconsider the folly of their 'Yes' vote.
No, the so called period of reflection quite patently is nothing more than a staging post and device to deliver ultimate ratification of the Constitution. If it were otherwise then the Council and Commission would equally be pressing Spain and other pro-Constitution countries to engage in the process."
