Home What's New Speeches & Articles Newsletter - Jul 2008 Biography Diary Contact Information Photo Album Parliamentary Highlights Publications Links MEPs' Transparency   Conservative Party Latest News from Conservatives.com Conservative Party Website
		MEP supports Tory motion on referendum Thursday 17 July 2003 East Midlands MEP Roger Helmer will be supporting Northamptonshire County Council's Conservative Group today at it's Full Council Meeting at 2pm. The Conservative Group has tabled a motion asking the Council to 'make a formal written submission to the Prime Minister, supporting calls for a national referendum on the proposed European Constitution'. Roger Helmer, who will be speaking at Today's meeting, said: "The new European Constitution would have serious implication for Northamptonshire and the East Midlands - regionalisation, immigration and employment to name but a few. We believe that the people of Britain should have the opportunity to vote on a European constitution. The Constitution would mean great changes for British democracy and the way the British people are governed. The British people should be trusted enough to decide on it for themselves." The text of the motion is as follows: '(i) This Council notes the proposed European Constitution being prepared by the European Convention will have huge implications for Northamptonshire County Council. The Constitution will give the European Union 'shared competence' over home affairs, transport, energy, social policy, economic and social cohesion, consumer protection and the environment, meaning overall more legislation and guidance binding on local government will be decided at a European rather than a national level. (ii) That given the Government has used referendums to approve other constitutional change affecting local and national government, including establishing regional assemblies and directly-elected mayors, this Council believes the people of Northamptonshire should be able to have their say on these constitutional changes in a referendum. (iii) This Council therefore resolves to make a formal written submission to the Prime Minister, supporting calls for a national referendum on the proposed European Constitution.'