British Presidency of EU Begins...so does the Propaganda Offensive

1. British Presidency of EU Begins...so does the Propaganda Offensive

Listed below is the Government's version of 'What has the EU ever done for us?'

Brief commentary appeared in the Newcastle Journal this morining and can be read here.
______________________________________________________________
North East

Membership of the EU is vital for the economy in the North East:

• In 2000 a report by South Bank University found that 142,000 jobs in the North East depended on exports to the EU.1
• The European Union is the North East’s most important export market. In 2003, 62% of goods exports from the North East went to countries in the EU countries, bringing £5 billion a year into the region’s economy.2
• During 2003 an average of 420 companies exported from the North East to the EU each month.3 These include Trident UK, based in Gateshead, which specialises in the manufacture of dinghies, sailingwear and trailers, and which won new orders worth several thousand pounds after participating on a trade mission to Amsterdam.4
• Tourism is one of the region’s biggest industries and over 44% of tourists who visited Northumbria in 2002 came from the EU countries.5
• The North East region has benefited from 63 inward investments decisions in 2003/4 creating 1919 new jobs, of which 26 were from European companies creating 1291 new jobs. Some examples of European companies investing in 2003/4 in the North East were Saft from France who expanded its workforce in its hi-tech battery system for industrial applications manufacturing plant at South Shields, and Getinge AB from Sweden, which expanded its manufacturing of operating theatre equipment in Sunderland.6

Membership of the EU has brought many cultural and environmental benefits for the North East:

• Gateshead has Strategic Cultural Partnerships with Gdansk in Poland, Gothenburg in Sweden and Tallinn in Estonia, as well as Bergen in Norway. These partnerships will strengthen of the region's links around the North Sea, with the Scandinavian and the Baltic and Central and Eastern European states in the European Union. The link with Tallinn has resulted in a teacher exchange with Tallinn focusing on ICT in the curriculum, and an Estonian Boys' choir visiting and performing in Gateshead. The Tyne Tallinn Film Challenge 2003 - involved exchanges of North East and Tallinn film makers, and workshops with young people (Ryton Comprehensive School who made a film).7
• Since its inception in 1992, Northern Stage Ensemble has been committed to the forging international collaborations from its home base at Newcastle Playhouse. Earlier this year the company’s production Homage to Catalonia, a stage adaptation of Orwell’s novel, was performed in Leeds, Newcastle, Paris and Barcelona. In autumn 2005, after an £8m rebuild and refurbishment, Newcastle Playhouse will reopen as a European Centre for Performing Arts. 8
• Seven beaches in the North East have blue flag status. Four of these are in North Tyneside - Cullercoats, Whitley Bay, Tynemouth and King Edward's Bay which was highlighted as the best in the country. To achieve the EU’s prestigious Blue Flag status means meeting strict European standards for water quality, litter collection and public amenities.9
• Many players from other EU countries have contributed their skills and talents to North East’s football clubs. These players include Newcastle’s Patrick Kluivert (Netherlands) and Middlesbrough player Szilard Nemeth (Slovakia).
• 411 students from institutions in the North East of England took part in Erasmus exchanges in 2003/2004. Robert Hough from the University of Northumbria at Newcastle studying for a BA in International Business Management went to Universidad Antonio de Nebrja – Universitas Nebrissensis in Spain for a year and included in that was a 4 month industrial placement. He received 2350 euros towards his study period abroad.10

EU membership means freedom of movement across 25 countries:

• 
  The passenger terminal at the Port of Tyne handles regular ferry services to Northern Europe and Scandinavia, with in excess of 820,000 passengers per year.11
• Easyjet fly from Newcastle to Barcelona, Belfast, Berlin, Budapest, Copenhagen, Geneva, Malaga, Nice, Palma, Paris, Prague and Rome. The region also has ferry connections to Gothenburg and Amsterdam.12

The North East benefits from millions of pounds of European Funding every year13:

• The North East will receive over £650 million of EU funds from 2000 to 2006.

European funding goes to a variety of projects and organisations, and is broken down into three categories14:

• Business support
• Large scale strategic sites of employment
• Community development

So far, the North East has supported over 1,500 projects. Here’s just a flavour15:

• Business Link County Durham has just (July 2004) received a £3 million funding boost to offer a streamlined approach to business support. This Objective 2 funding will be used to assess small businesses and offer tailor-made advice and support.
• £2 million for a Stockton Community Resource Centre which will accommodate agencies such as Sure Start and will be used for training, meeting and counselling areas. (Funding awarded November 2003 - Objective 2)
• £5 million to allow building work to start on Middlesbrough’s prestigious new art gallery. MIMA - Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art – will be a world-class modern art gallery based upon the success of Newcastle’s BALTIC and is set to attract thousands of art lovers to the Tees Valley. (Funding awarded March 2004 - Objective 2)
  £1.2 million to develop England’s first national centre for the Children’s Book. (Funding awarded October 2003 - Objective 2)

MEPs representing the North East in the European Parliament:

Mr Stephen Hughes (Labour)
Mr Martin Callanan (Conservative)
Mrs Fiona Hall (Liberal)

Local European celebrities [will be approached to secure involvement with the campaign]

• Thomas Zehermair, artistic director, Northern Sinfonia (Austria)
• Sirkka-Lisa Kontinnen, photographer (Finland)
• Mart Poom, footballer (Estonia)
• Szilard Nemeth, Middlesbrough FC (Slovakia)

For more info: http://www.go-ne.gov.uk/ __________________________________________________________________

1:UK jobs dependent on the EU, Brian Ardy, Iain Begg and Dermot Hudson, European Institute, South Bank University.

2:HM Customs and Excise, Quarter 1, 2004 Press Release, ‘UK Regional Trade in Goods Statistics’

3:HM Customs and Excise, Quarter 1, 2004 Press Release, ‘UK Regional Trade in Goods Statistics’

4:UKTI

5:Star UK, 2001 Tourism Facts.

6:Information held by UK Trade and Investment, Inward Investment Group

7:Information held by Gateshead City Council

8:Northern Stage - Mo Lovatt, Programming & Planning Co-ordinator, 0191 245 0014

9:http://www.seasideawards.org.uk/

10:Information held by UK Erasmus Council

11:www.portoftyne.com

12:Information held by the European Programmes Team, Government Office for the North East

13:Information held by the European Programmes Team, Government Office for the North East

14:Information held by the European Programmes Team, Government Office for the North East

15:Information held by the European Programmes Team, Government Office for the North East

Exclusion zone to Parliament Protests

Exclusion zone to Parliament protests By Ben Leapman Home Affairs Correspondent, Evening Standard 15 June 2005

Political protests are to be curbed in a half-mile "exclusion zone" around Parliament, it emerged today.

A map of the zone, drawn up by ministers and slipped out in the Commons, shows that it takes in the whole of Whitehall and the London Eye.

Inside the zone, spontaneous demonstrations, even by a lone protester will be banned.

Police will be able to set stringent conditions on those who apply in advance, such as a halfhour time limit and a ban on placards and loudhailers. Anyone who fails to comply will face arrest. Critics denounced the measure as a heavy-handed attack on free speech.

The measure will take full effect on 1 August. It is being introduced under a section of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act, passed by Parliament this year. It was originally intended to evict long-term peace campaigner Brian Haw from Parliament Square, and prevent mass protests like the pro-hunt demonstration last September.

Ministers claimed a ban on demonstrations outside Parliament was needed to allow MPs and peers free access in and out of the building.

But the Act gave ministers the power to draw up an exclusion zone anywhere up to one kilometre from the Palace of Westminster. The map of the zone reveals Home Secretary Charles Clarke has used his new power to the full extent. The only significant site left out of the zone is Trafalgar Square after ministers accepted that it is a traditional venue for demonstrations.

Critics pointed out that a protest at the London Eye could not possibly obstruct entry to Parliament. The Eye has been targeted in the past by Fathers 4 Justice protesters. The Liberal Democrats today demanded an emergency Commons debate, claiming the new powers went beyond what Parliament had intended.

Lib- Dem home affairs spokesman Mark Oaten said: "Preventing people from freely voicing their opinions outside Parliament was bad enough. What possible justification can there be for banning spontaneous-demonstrations across such a wide area?

"Once again, this Government has shown itself ready to play fast and loose with hard won British freedoms."

Are you prepared to accept this?

THE NEW LAW WILL AFFECT EVERYBODY'S FREEDOM OF SPEECH

On 1 July the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act comes into force bringing with it draconian restrictions on the freedom to protest in a large area around Parliament. Permission to protest near any government building must now be given by the Metropolitan Commissioner who can impose severe, ridiculous and possibly unworkable restrictions on any protest that is allowed to continue.

This amounts to the police making political decisions around our fundamental rights of freedom of association and expression. It is part of a wider attack on the freedom to protest over the past few years. The SOCP Act also changes harassment and trespass laws in a way that could make protest anyway very difficult.

During the parliamentary debate earlier this year the government assured critics of the proposals that they would consult on the extent of the designated area to which these restrictions will apply. Yet, with the exclusion of Trafalgar Square, the recently announced designated area is as wide as it could be - the government have taken the opportunity to effectively stop protest outside any government building. Opposition MPs are now expressing concern about the extent of these measures so this is an opportunity to build on this concern.

These restrictions are contrary to long established laws and traditions in this country and this Government's own Human Rights Act.

www.parliament-square.org.uk

British MEPs meeting with the British Prime Minister

British MEPs meeting with the British Prime Minister
Date: Mon, 20 Jun 2005

I understand that you are due to meet the Prime Minister on Thursday and that you will have the opportunity to question him.

May I suggest that one of the questions that you should ask is whether or not he accepts that had the British been asked, in a referendum, for their opinion on the EU Constitution the majority vote would have been against it.

That being the case the next question is surely whether or not he accepts that anything that goes beyond what the people thought they voted for in the 1975 Referendum, i.e. Free Trade, is totally unacceptable.

Thirdly does the Prime Minister not agree that having in May promised a referendum, regardless, he said, of how the French voted, "and that is a Government promise", the British people are now entitled to an early opportunity to express their views on whether they actually wish to remain in the European Union.

I have very little doubt that, in spite of recent setbacks, the salami slicing process of completing European integration will continue. The question is whether you, as one of our elected representatives, will oppose or join with those who, having been thwarted in their efforts to introduce centralising measures by the front door, will now seek to impose them by the back door.

I look forward to receiving your comments and in the meantime trust that you will not miss the forthcoming opportunity to put the Prime Minister on the spot.

Yours sincerely,
Christopher Gill
Hon. Chairman
The Freedom Association

www.tfa.net">

French 'Non' Campaigners Show Solidarity

Monsieur le Premier ministre,
Ne privez pas les peuples d’Europe du droit de dire non !

Lettre ouverte à M. Tony Blair
par Francis Choisel et Bernard Chalumeau
Président et secrétaire général
de l’Alliance pour la Souveraineté de la France

Monsieur le Premier ministre,

Le 1er juillet prochain, vous allez présider l’Union européenne. C’est à ce titre, plus qu’à celui de chef du gouvernement britannique, que nous nous adressons aujourd’hui à vous.

Au cours des six prochains mois, en effet, après le rejet du projet de traité constitutionnel européen par les peuples français et néerlandais, à une large majorité (55% et 62%) et avec une forte participation électorale, vous aurez à trouver le compromis nécessaire entre les vingt-cinq Etats-membres sur la conduite à tenir face à ces deux votes négatifs.

Lors du prochain Conseil européen de Bruxelles, vous aurez ainsi, à côté du Premier ministre luxembourgeois, actuel président de ce Conseil, du président de la Commission européenne, du président de la République française et du chef du gouvernement néerlandais, un rôle majeur à jouer.

En prenant la décision de « suspendre » le référendum que vous vous êtes engagé auprès du peuple britannique à organiser avant toute ratification, vous semblez considérer que la campagne de Hollande et la bataille de France ont définitivement scellé le destin du projet de constitution européenne, et qu’une bataille d’Angleterre n’est en conséquence plus nécessaire.

Au plan du droit international et des règles de l’Union européenne, c’est assurément le cas. Mais la décision qu’aura à prendre le Conseil européen à ce sujet n’est pas seulement juridique. Elle est d’abord politique. Elle n’est pas seulement britannique, elle est européenne.

Evidemment, il ne peut être question de faire voter à nouveau les citoyens français et néerlandais, pas plus que d’aménager pour eux, comme pour votre pays, pour le Danemark ou pour l’Irlande, un statut d’exception, qui ne conviendrait pas à deux pays fondateurs et qui seraient incompatibles avec l’esprit même du texte constitutionnel. Il est impossible d’ignorer la sanction de ces deux grands pays, pays amis de l’Angleterre de surcroît.

Pour autant, comme l’ont indiqué le président de la Commission européenne et plusieurs chefs de gouvernement, il ne serait pas convenable d’interrompre dès maintenant de manière intempestive le processus démocratique de consultation des peuples.

On ne peut annuler les référendums déjà programmés dans divers pays, dont le vôtre. On ne peut ainsi museler les citoyens et les empêcher d’exprimer clairement leur sentiment sur ce texte en même temps que sur le fonctionnement actuel de l’Union. On ne peut leur ôter la possibilité de dire « non », eux aussi. Le processus de ratification doit donc se poursuivre.

Mais il faut aussi tenir compte d’un fait majeur révélé par les deux référendum français et néerlandais et qu’avaient déjà démontré les référendums danois, irlandais, suédois ou norvégiens : il existe une contradiction grave entre le sentiment exprimé, presque unanimement, par les parlements de ces pays et la décision rendue, à une large majorité, par les citoyens, consultés directement. Est-on sûr qu’il n’en est pas ainsi dans d’autres Etats membres ? Le doute est ainsi jeté non seulement sur les ratifications qui restent à opérer par la voie parlementaire mais également sur celles qui l’ont déjà été de cette manière.

Comme président de l’Union européenne, il vous appartiendra donc de demander que les pays, tels que l’Allemagne, qui n’ont pas consulté leur peuple sur cette question qui engage leur destin comme nation et celui de l’Europe tout entière, fassent confirmer, ou infirmer, par référendum la décision de leur parlement.

Cette initiative ne pourra que recevoir le soutien de notre président, Jacques Chirac. Il a, aujourd’hui le devoir moral de porter sur la scène internationale les aspirations de son peuple, telles qu’elles se sont exprimées le 29 mai. Les Français, en effet, en votant « non », n’ont pas pensé qu’à eux. Ils ne se sont pas « repliés sur eux-mêmes» ; ils n’ont pas « rejeté les autres», loin de là. Bien au contraire, ils ont voulu lancer un grand mouvement de rénovation dans toute l’Europe. Notre Président demande d’ailleurs la poursuite du processus de ratification.

Les autres gouvernements ne pourront pas plus s’opposer à cette manière de sortir de la crise car elle est fondée sur des bases authentiquement démocratiques et éminemment conformes à l’esprit européen.

Ensuite, et ensuite seulement, chaque peuple ayant parlé, l’Union européenne pourra repartir sur des bases réellement nouvelles.

Alors, les gouvernements auront un mandat clair pour corriger les vices avérés de cette Europe bureaucratique, centralisatrice et niveleuse qui bride les énergies, entrave les initiatives, réglemente, réprimande et sanctionne.

Monsieur le Premier ministre, l’honneur de notre Gouvernement a été de nous donner la parole. Nous, Français, serions fiers l’avoir parlé au nom de tous les peuples d’Europe, et tout particulièrement du peuple britannique, si le processus de ratification s’arrêtait demain. Mais nous serions plus fiers encore d’avoir permis qu’ils soient tous consultés, en leur âme et conscience. Et le peuple britannique le serait tout autant si vous en preniez l’initiative.

Laissez, en ce nouveau printemps des peuples, éclore toutes les fleurs du « non » !

Nous vous adressons, monsieur le Premier minsitre, l’expression de notre bien sincère considération.

No Campaign off on International Tour of Duty

Monday 13th June 2005

No Campaign off on International Tour of Duty

The People's No Campaign's 'Message from the People,' is leaving for Brussels today from the North Shields Ferry Terminal.

The message is plain and simple:

"Don't you Dare...Mr. Blair!
The British voters must have their vote:
Oui ou Non?
A cancelled vote in Britain is not an option"

The message is being delivered via an AdVan and the poster can be seen here

The vehicle is to be present for three days in Brussels to coincide with the meeting of the 25 Heads of State at the European Council on 16th and 17th June where the ratification process for the European Constitution is to be discussed and decided.
We are not prepared to accept Blair's 'postponement' and we are demanding an opportunity to have a referendum.

Already the French campaign which delivered their historic 'Non' is showing solidarity and preparing to support the statement below:

STATEMENT

"WE DEMAND that the British Government keeps its promise and holds a referendum on the European Constitution.

The voice of the people must be heard: the British must not be denied their say."

Photo and Media Opportunity:
1.30pm North Shields Ferry Terminal
Interviews with Colin Moran and Neil Herron of The People's No Campaign

ENDS

Notes:
1. The People's No Campaign is a non / cross-party coalition demanding a referendum on our relationship with the EU and actively campaigning for a No vote.

2. The team behind the campaign have biggest ever referendum success against the Government in the North East elected assembly referendum.

3. North East based Gorilla Media have the contract for the supply of the vehicle and the poster.

CONTACTS:
Neil Herron
0191 565 7143 (Direct Line)
07776202045 (Mobile)

mail@thepeoplesnocampaign.co.uk

The People's No Campaign
0845 147 2006
www.thepeoplesnocampaign.co.uk

'No' Campaign Goes to Brussels

The People's NO Campaign Goes to Brussels.
Click Here to view images.

Three Euro MPs back referendum go-ahead

The Journal
Friday 10th June 2005

The North-based campaign against the European Constitution has claimed the support of the region’s three MEPs in calling for a UK referendum to go ahead.
The vote in this country on the treaty has been shelved after it was rejected in polls in France and the Netherlands.

But the people’s No Campaign – led by Sunderland activist Neil Herron – is calling for Britain still to be given a say on the document.
Yesterday, Mr Herron seized on comments by the MEPs as evidence a debate should still take place.

And he challenged the three to a public debate in the region on the constitution.

It came after Liberal Democrat Euro-MP Fiona Hall said: “I would like us to go ahead with the referendum. It would enable us at long last to have an intelligent and informed debate about Europe.”

Labour MEP Stephen Hughes also said this week: “Unless a real campaign begins there is real danger that our referendum campaign will be about – just as it was in France – everything except the content of the constitution.”

And conservative MEP Martin Callanan said; “I have no problem with a referendum especially if it stops Blair introducing some of the provisions of the constitution by the back door.

“I would look forward to joining Fiona, Stephen and Neil on a platform in the North-East to put the issue before the public.”Mr Herron said: “It is great to see both Stephen and Fiona along with Martin joining in our call for a referendum to go ahead.

"Oh Mr. Alexander...Don't Try and Scare Us. The Genie is out of the bottle!"

'IT WOULD BE WRONG TO TURN AWAY FROM EUROPE NOW' - DOUGLAS ALEXANDER

EDITED TRANSCRIPT OF AN OPPOSITION DEBATE, IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, BY EUROPE MINISTER DOUGLAS ALEXANDER, ON WEDNESDAY 8 JUNE

Mr Speaker may I begin, on behalf of the Foreign Secretary, by extending his apologies to the House for his absence today. My Rt. Hon Friend is in Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

On this side of the House we recognise that with over half our trade with Europe, more than 3 million jobs linked directly or indirectly to exports to Europe and 750,000 British-based companies trading within the EU, Britain's national interest is and should continue to be advanced by our engagement with the European Union.

And we further recognise that on challenges as broad and diverse as environmental degradation and global poverty, Europe working together can not only extend Britain's influence, but be a powerful and positive force for good, as we saw when EU Development Ministers agreed, last month, a new collective target for Overseas Development Assistance of 0.56% of EU GNI by 2010. And, just yesterday, EU Finance Ministers endorsed the commitment by the fifteen richer EU Member States to reach the UN overseas development assistance international target of 0.7% by 2015 and the agreement by the other ten Member States to work towards 0.33% on the same timetable. This will more than double EU aid in less than ten years.

So, in my remarks today, I will first reiterate the Government's response to the results of the French and Dutch referenda on the EU Constitutional Treaty. I will then address the wider case for economic reform within Europe and reaffirm that this Government will not act in a way which undermines the European Union's continuing contribution to peace, stability and prosperity in Europe.

Constitutional Treaty

Mr Speaker, this debate takes place just a week before the customary debate preceding the European Council meeting on 16 June and two days after the Foreign Secretary addressed the House, on its return from the Whitsun recess, on the Government's response to the referenda results last week in France and the Netherlands.

The House has been and remains divided on the merits of the Constitutional Treaty. The Government believes it represents a sensible set of rules for the enlarged European Union including a reduction in the size of the European Commission; a much better voting system(which benefits the UK); an end to the six-month rotating Presidency, with replacement by a full time President of the Council and team Presidencies and better arrangements for involving national Parliaments in EU legislation.

The Treaty, of course, requires ratification by every EU Member State before it can come into force. To date 10 Member States have approved the Treaty and, as the House is aware, two Member States - France and the Netherlands - have, in recent days, rejected it in referenda.

That is the situation which leaves the constitutional treaty in real difficulty. But it is a problem which the EU as a whole has to discuss and then decide upon.

The Constitutional Treaty was a subject of detailed negotiation between Member States, was agreed by all European leaders and is the property of the European Union as a whole. It is not, therefore, as the opposition suggests, for the UK alone to decide the future of the Treaty. Rather it is for European leaders to reach conclusions on how to deal with the situation which has now arisen in light of the French and Dutch referenda results.

There is now the need for further discussions with EU partners and further decisions from EU Governments. The first opportunity for collective discussion will take place at the end of next week, when Heads of State and Government meet in the European Council, before which there will be a further debate in this House.

Mr Speaker,

That is the context in which the Government has decided not to set a date for the Second Reading of the European Union Bill until the consequences of French and Dutch decisions, and their effect on the process of ratification of the Treaty, are clarified.

As the Government has already informed the House, we reserve completely the right to bring the Bill back for consideration if circumstances change, but we see no point in doing so at the moment.

While other European leaders have, over the past week, stated that their ratification process will continue, the fact remains that the Treaty cannot come into force until all Member States have ratified it. That is the situation of uncertainty which European leaders will have to discuss next week. And that is why, in this situation, we have decided, for the time being, not to proceed with Parliamentary discussion of the Bill.

Globalisation and Economic Reform

Mr Speaker,

Amidst all the current headlines and debates on the Constitutional Treaty it is all too easy to lose sight of the underlying reality that there is an economic transformation taking place of even greater long-term significance than the political transformation achieved by enlargement, and that is globalisation. Europe needs to adapt to the changing balance of global economic activity and the rise of fast-growing emerging economies, notably China and India. Rapid technological change, global capital flows and the global sourcing of products are leading to an increasingly competitive international market for goods, services and investment. The most successful economies will be those that can adapt quickly to change, promoting enterprise, productivity and innovation.

This process of change challenges Europe economically,socially and politically. It demands concerted action to strengthen key drivers of growth such as levels of employment. It calls for greater flexibility in product, labour and capital markets to ensure that Europe's businesses and individuals are equipped to adapt to economic change and take advantage of new opportunities when they arise. Structural reform, which promotes flexibility and fairness together, is the key to success in the modern global economy.

That is why advancing the economic reform agenda will be a key priority for the UK when we assume the Presidency on 1 July. As this House knows well the UK has long advocated economic reform in the EU. But, as the Kok Report confirmed, we risk falling far short of the goals set by EU leaders in Lisbon 5 years ago to improve EU competitiveness by 2010. With 19 million Europeans out of work, the main task for those of us who believe in social Europe is to get Europe back to work.

Vital to this is the task of tackling regulation. Twelve European countries, including the UK, have signed up to a better regulation agenda. European legislation can bring down barriers and improve competitiveness in Europe. But it needs to be high-quality legislation, properly tested for its potential costs and benefits. So, during our Presidency, we intend to focus on improving the policy-making process through better consultation and assessment of the impact of proposed legislation on business and on the EU's international competitiveness. Our fundamental goal is to reduce the volume and complexity of EU legislation and to review the impact and outcomes of existing legislation.

We want to make progress on the Services Directive. The Directive has a strong focus on better regulation and aims to cut excessive bureaucracy which prevents businesses offering services across borders or opening premises in other Member States. Extending the internal market to the services sector which represents around 70% of EU GDP, will be of enormous benefit to business and consumers alike.

In the financial services sector our focus will be on completing the Financial Services Action Plan in a way that protects and promotes the UK's and the EU's competitiveness. We will also take forward the Commission's excellent Green Paper on the Post Financial Services Action Plan Agenda to ensure better implementation and enforcement of measures affecting the financial sector, the use of alternatives to regulation and a clearer recognition of the global nature of financial services.

Mr Speaker, strengthening economic co-operation between the EU and the US is also a priority for the UK. We will want to build on the work now under way in the context of this month's EU/US Summit and demonstrate clear progress in breaking down barriers to trade and investment in key areas.

Future Financing

Mr Speaker, the European Council will, next week, be looking at the EU Budget for the period 2007 to 2013. That debate is part of the wider debate about how Europe responds to globalisation. The question is: where can EU spending bring the greatest added value? We think the answer is clear. It is in reducing the income gap between old and new Member States. It is in providing Europe with the means to strengthen Research and Development in the most competitive sectors of the global economy. We are convinced we can do that within a Budget of 1% of EU GNI.

There is a lot of talk across Europe about the UK rebate. The rebate is there because of the particularly low level of UK receipts from the EU and our above-average contributions to the EU Budget. That situation hasn't changed since the Fontainebleau Summit in 1984 and won't change in the next decade either. That is why the rebate remains justified and why, if necessary, we will use the veto, as is our right, to defend our national interest.

A Global Europe

Mr Speaker, as I have said the EU's future prosperity depends on being able to compete in the global world. That requires strong economic performance. But it also means having strong political partnerships across the globe.

During our Presidency we will take forward work to build up the EU's partnerships with its neighbours in the Middle East and North Africa, and in Eastern Europe, not least with those countries aspiring to EU membership.

Last December's European Council agreed to open accession negotiations with Turkey on 3 October this year. The prospect of EU membership has been one of the most significant spurs to political and economic reform in Turkey. A stable and prosperous Turkey, demonstrating that Islam, democracy and respect for human rights and the rule of law are fully compatible, would have a huge impact on regional peace and stability.

During our Presidency the UK will also lead the EU's efforts to help tackle poverty in Africa, in line with our objectives for the UK Presidency of the G8 and the recommendations of the Commission for Africa.

Part of that will be pressing ahead with the reform of the CAP. The next big issue is reform of the archaic sugar regime, which will fall to our Presidency. Getting this right is an important part of delivering agreement at the WTO Ministerial meeting in Hong Kong in December which will bring greater development through freer and fairer trade

Mr Speaker, we will work also with our EU partners to ensure that the EU continues to play a leading role in reinvigorating the international negotiations on climate change. This will include engaging countries like China and India. We will explore options for a post - Kyoto strategy and try to develop stronger co-operation and real dialogue with key international partners on ways of securing low-cost emissions reductions.

Conclusion

Mr Speaker, the challenges facing the EU both within its borders and in the wider world are considerable. But these challenges can be met.

Together the EU accounts for a quarter of world GDP, a third of world trade, 50% of the UN budget and 55% of global development aid.

It would be wrong and wholly contrary to turn away from Europe now.

One in 8 members of the UN is a member of the EU. So the EU has a vital role to play in international security and global development. The EU has long been a beacon of peace, democracy and prosperity. The combined skills, capabilities and knowledge of the 25 EU Member States can be a powerful force to extend those values in today's world.

For the security and well-being, not only of our own citizens but of all our neighbours and partners, this Government will work to ensure that it remains so.

Press Release..."Unlikely Bedfellows."

From left: Fiona Hall MEP, Stephen Hughes MEP, Martin Callanan MEP and Neil Herron Director of The Peoples NO Campaign.

Press Release

The People's No Campaign

1pm 9th June 2005

"Unlikely Bedfellows."

Labour, Liberal Democrat and Conservative MEPs Join The People's No Campaign's Calls for a Referendum

Stephen Hughes, the Labour MEP, Fiona Hall, the newly elected Liberal Democrat MEP and Conservative MEP Martin Callanan all for the North East, have joined in with The People's No Campaign's calls for the Government to hold a referendum on the European Constitution. Regardless of the decision at the European Council next week, all are in favour of having a full and frank debate about our relationship with the European Union. We will create the platform for that debate and we fully expect the three North East MEP's to attend to make their case.

Stephen Hughes (MEP Labour) said that there needed to be a proper campaign and debate on the constitution, including a referendum.

He said: "Unless a real campaign begins there is a real danger that our referendum campaign will be about - just as it was in France - everything except the content of the constitution."

Fiona Hall (MEP Lib Dem) said: "I would like us to go ahead with the British referendum on the Constitution. It would enable us at long last to have an intelligent and informed debate about Europe."

Conservative MEP, Martin Callanan, states, " I have no problem with a referendum especially if it stops Blair introducing some of the provisions of the constitution by the back door. I would very much look forward to joining Fiona, Stephen and Neil on a platform in the North East to put the issue before the public."

The People's No Campaign spokesman, Neil Herron states, " It is great to see both Stephen and Fiona along with Martin joining in our call for a referendum to go ahead. It is also important, and they are all in agreement, that we must have the debate about our relationship with the European Union despite Blair running scared. We will therefore be arranging a public meeting in the North East at a mutually convenient time where we can have our own referendum debate and where Stephen and Fiona can make the case for the EU and the case against made by Martin and Neil."

Time and location to be confirmed.

Time and location to be confirmed.
ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1. The People's No Campaign is a non / cross-party coalition demanding a referendum on our relationship with the EU and actively campaigning for a No vote.

2. The team behind the campaign have biggest ever referendum success against the Government in the North East elected assembly referendum.

3. Websites of the three MEP's are http://www.stephenhughesmep.org/ and http://www.fionahall.org.uk/ and http://www.martincallanan.com/

CONTACTS:

Neil Herron
0191 565 7143 (Direct Line)
07776202045 (Mobile)

The People's No Campaign
0845 147 2006

Press Release ....The People's No Campaign

Press Release

The People's No Campaign

1pm 8th June 2005

Never Mind the Back Door...The Front Door's Wide Open!

Our government and the EU is already implementing the constitution, even though two countries have said "no" and we have not yet been given a referendum.

This is one of the reasons why The People's No Campaign continues to demand a referendum.

The question is, 'Are the Conservatives and the "Vote No" campaign now going to join with us in that call?'

While The People's No Campaign have been running with the demand for a referendum emblazoned on the side of an Ad Van round Westminster..."Don't You Dare...Mr. Blair!" ...others are happy to accept the Government line and are content with the 'postponement.'

Yet, both the Conservatives and "Vote No" have clearly stated that if any part of the Treaty Establishing a Constitution for Europe is implemented, they will demand a referendum.

But, while they are happily watching the cat-flap in the back-door the front door has been left wide open

It is now apparent that EU officials started working on the constitution's proposals shortly after it was written.

They insisted that they should not wait until it was ratified.

In some cases the work has no legal basis and is dubbed preparatory; in others, a special legal basis has been developed so that policies could be specially implemented even before the constitution is approved.

The new developments include a European diplomatic service, a European president, a European foreign minister, a European space policy, a European defence agency, the implementation of the new European charter of fundamental rights by a European fundamental rights agency, and the scrapping of the national veto on immigration and asylum.

EU officials are already setting up the offices of Europes first permanent president, an appointed post established by the constitution to replace the rotating six-month presidency, which is held by Europes elected heads of government.

There is an awful lot of work to set it up: the office and all the support teams, an official said.

We cant just leave it to the last moment."

Neil Herron, Campaign Director of The People's No Campaign states:

" We are not prepared to accept ANY further integration or implementation of any of the contents of the Constitution.

"That is why we have continued throughout to demand a referendum.

"If we are to be denied one on the constitution then we are demanding that we have a full blown grown up debate on our relationship with the European Union.

"We are not prepared to accept Blair and Straw's obfuscation.

"We are acutely aware of their spin tactics including the 'political chaff' thrown up by Alistair Darling with his Sunday announcement of the ridiculous road-charging scheme.

In light of the evidence of parts of the constitution being implemented we look forward to the Conservatives and "Vote No" joining us at the 'front door' in our continued demands for a referendum."

ENDS
Notes to Editors:
1. The People's No Campaign is a non / cross-party coalition demanding a referendum on our relationship with the EU and actively campaigning for a No vote.
2. The team behind the campaign have biggest ever referendum success against the Government in the North East elected assembly referendum.
3. Research and opinion behind "Do we now get a referendum" can be seen here
4. "Don't You Dare ...Mr. Blair!" can be viewed here

CONTACTS:
Neil Herron
0191 565 7143 (Direct Line)
07776202045 (Mobile)

mail@thepeoplesnocampaignco.uk
The People's No Campaign

0845 147 2006

www.thepeoplesnocampaign.co.uk
www.thepeoplesnocampaign.blogspot.com
www.eureferendum.blogspot.com

Almunia rejects Italian budget plea

EUOBSERVER - EU monetary affairs commissioner Joaquin Almunia has castaside an eleventh hour plea to salvage Italy's budget deficit case, with the country now facing disciplinary action under the EU's stability and growth pact.

The commission accepted a report on Italy at their Tuesday meeting, which stated that Rome breached the 3 percent budget ceiling in 2003 and 2004, hitting 3.1 percent in both years, while heading for a 3.6 percent deficit in 2005 and 4.6 percent next year.

Joaquin Almunia noted that the deficit is "neither temporary nor exceptional", and said that the commission's economic and finance committee is "likely" to recommend punitive action to European finance ministers at the end of June. "This is the right way ahead", Mr Almunia said.

He added that the letter sent by Mr Siniscalco, which argued that Italy did face special circumstances, holds no water. "According to my first impressions, it will not change our assessment", the commissioner indicated.

The letter said that Italy was the victim of poor statistics regarding fourth quarter 2004 financial results and that the commission's report did not take into account its sizeable contribution to the EU kitty, as well as to international peace keeping operations.

Mr Almunia added that he is also "very worried" about the spiralling deficits in Greece and Portugal, as well as expressing concern for overspending in Germany and France.

Mr Almunia pointed out that five out of the ten new member states are currently facing excessive debts.

Ecofin likely to take tough line The commissioner indicated that European finance ministers are predisposed to "implement the stability and growth pact with extreme vigour" in the wake of recent budget rule reforms and amid worries over "the loss of credibility of our fiscal framework". "I am sure that will be the spirit in which the council will look at this", he said.

Mr Almunia also pointed out that there is no correlation between high public spending and economic growth, while urging fiscal consolidation throughout the EU. "Looking at EU members with high growth rates, they somehow have a balance or even a surplus in their national accounts", he said.

'Political Chaff' confuses media radar

Well, they fell for it hook line and sinker...every single one of them.

An ill-thought out Government initiative announced on a Sunday by Alistair Darling?
Perleeeaase!
Road charging took Straw's statement in the House on the Monday off lead story in all the papers and all the media.

Radio 4's Today programme took the lead as well.

Blair out of the country? Of course.

These things do not happen by accident.
You have to look past the 'political chaff' and not fall for it. These guys in the Labour spin machine are only 'experts' because the press and media allow them to be.
They know how the game is played.

Also, the press and media will continue to use 'establishment' campaigns mirroring the Conservative Party line.
It's safe and easily handled. It's not contentious.

If you have ever watched an under-9's football match the same logic applies with everyone on the pitch (except the two goalies) within 10 yards of the ball.

We must all learn the skill of stepping back outside the game to see the big picture.

We must also expand the art of bypassing the mainstream media to get the message out at grassroots level.

Expose the transparent 'spin' agenda in the local press letters pages.
It is only transparent however, when it is pointed out to everyone.Forward any information to your contacts.
Become active.

Keep up the fight.

You registered with the campaign yet? You forwarded our details to your address book yet?
We must stand and work together.
Remember. There are more of us than them ;-)
mail@thepeoplesnocampaign.co.uk

How Europe Stands On The Constitution

Party Lines

The Journal, Jun 8 2005
By Zoe Hughes

Training has been the hot topic of discussion among politicians and their followers in the North-East this week - especially the need for some to get into a serious training routine sooner rather than later.

Sunderland metric martyr Neil Herron kicked it all off at the weekend when he took part in a regional triathlon with only one week's preparation behind him. Completing the 800m swim, 20km bike ride and 6km run in just under two hours, he admitted he was glad to have finished the race at all after pulling his hamstring while out campaigning against the EU Constitution.

Limping to the finish lane, he said afterwards it was amazing what beer and bravado could do for a man, adding: "I think this is going to be followed by three weeks of rest and recuperation." He was joined though by Hartlepool MP Iain Wright who, as The Journal has previously revealed, has agreed to do the Great North Run for a local charity.

With the general election out of the way, Mr Wright said this week there was little excuse for him to avoid starting a training regime to get him into shape for the big day - and was beginning by giving up alcohol.

Explaining his action plan, the MP was immediately complimented by colleagues on his apparent loss of weight to which he merely grinned: "It's the corsets."

EU enlargement at a crossroads after French and Dutch No

EU OBSERVER
By Elitsa Vucheva

BRUSSELS - The uncertain political climate created by the French and Dutch rejections of the EU Constitution is leading to fears that the continued enlargement of the bloc could be affected.

Fear of further enlargement was cited among the reasons voters in both France and the Netherlands gave for turning the treaty down.

Lining up to join the bloc are Bulgaria and Romania, due to join in 2007, and Turkey due to open talks on 3 October, while the Western Balkans also hope to start accession talks within the next few years.

But while politicians in all these countries claim that the double No will not influence their path to the EU, analysts are less optimistic.

"The populations' fears [during the French and Dutch referendums] were related to enlargement, and the politicians cannot ignore that", Gergana Noutcheva, a Bulgarian research fellow at the Brussels-based Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS), told the EUobserver.

It is not in member states' interest to push enlargement further, as "it ispolitically difficult right now", she added.

And Aurore Wanlin, from the London-based Centre for European Reform (CER), added that "we are more likely to see unilateral nationalism and astagnation of EU integration in the upcoming years", as the EU is lacking the political leaders able to get the Union out of the current crisis.

No danger for Bulgaria and Romania? One likely effect is that the EU is going to make sure it appears much tougher on future EU members.

Already, the enlargement commissioner, Olli Rehn, has said the Commission is going to send Sofia and Bucharest warning letters as they are lagging behind on reforms, and both countries face having their full membership delayed by one year if they do not live up to their reform promises.

Mr Rehn's spokesperson said that the fact the letters were sent should not be linked to the French and Dutch No, but they do take on extra political significance as the letters were announced the day after the Dutch referendum.

"It is indeed part of the procedure, but it is strange that it happens just after the referendums; maybe Mr Rehn feels that the political climate isgetting more complicated", said Ms Noutcheva.

But the biggest obstacle in Bulgaria and Romania's path to membership may lie with member states ratification of their accession treaties. With ominous sounds coming from the opposition Christian Democrats in Germany ­who may come into power in September ­ the mood could swing towards a no in the German parliament.

What direction for Turkey?
Turkey also has a big question mark hanging over it. While membership talks will probably be opened on 3 October as promised, countries like Germany,which may have a conservative government by then, will seek to slow the process down as much as possible.

Theoretically the start of talks should not be delayed if Ankara implements all of the requested reforms.

"But then again, one can choose to be lax with Turkey [as regards thereforms], or on the contrary be always more rigorous and impose new demands", Francoise de la Serre, recently retired analyst of Paris-based Centre d'Etudes et de Recherches Internationales, pointed out.

Finally, even if Turkey does make it through the negotiation process, at the other end of it, it will have to face French voters, who have been promised the right to a referendum on Turkish EU membership.

French voters are generally opposed to Ankara entering the bloc, and this opposition was one of the main arguments of French No campaigners before the referendum in the country.

The Balkans: in the middle of nowhere The Western Balkans are also likely to suffer, with most countries in the region still taking their first steps on the EU accession path.

"Currently, the EU cannot manage enlargement to 30-35 countries, it can barely manage 25. It should first shape its own policy, then enlarge", said John Palmer, Political director of the Brussels-based European Policy Centre.

But cutting short on EU enlargement may be dangerous for these countries.

The prospect of EU membership has been an essential stimulus for the countries of the region to implement democratic reforms, as they sometimes need to be externally motivated in order to go forward, said Ms Noutcheva.

Ms Wanlin expressed worries that stopping the process may lead to slower democratic reforms in the region as well.

Part of the solution, according to the CER's analyst, lies in a proper debate within the EU on "why enlargement is necessary".