Allister debates future of Europe
31 May 2006
During a debate in the European Parliament Eurosceptic MEP Jim Allister rounded on those still peddling the Constitution, challenging them instead to listen to the citizens who wanted "less Europe", not more.
In the course of his remarks Mr Allister said:-
"The political elite's claim to be listening to the people of Europe is as phoney as the cosmetic stunt of dropping the title "Constitution".
France and Holland emphatically rejected the Constitution, so we slap a gagging order on countries which it is feared might also say 'No' - though it was called a period of reflection, its effect was to stop votes in sceptical countries, but where ratification was assured it was pushed through and every time such a meaningless exercise took place Europhiles were always on hand to make the empty, crass assertion: "You see, the Constitution is not dead!" It's easy to win the game, when you lock the opposition in the changing room.
The last Eurobarometer poll showed the European project was never less loved. With citizens seeking less Europe, this House arrogantly demands "more Europe". More EU competences, more majority voting, more centralisation. More, more more.
Why don't you listen? Stop digging. Heed the clamour for more state rights, not less, more national, not central, control. Face up to it, the goal of ever closer union leading to stultifying uniformity is unattainable. Get on the side of the citizens. Get real!"
