The EU is about people, not politicians.
Posted, June 18, 2008 @ 14:00
Strasbourg, Wednesday 18th June 2008 -- Conservatives in the European Parliament have said that the Irish have shown that only with the consent of the people can the EU develop. At issue is which direction should Europe go, not at what speed.
Commenting on the result from Ireland, Philip Bushill-Matthews MEP, who was officially elected Leader of the Conservative Delegation in the European Parliament in Strasbourg this week, said:
"The EU is supposed to be about people, not politicians. So it needs not only to be driven by the people – but seen to be driven by the people.
"Last Thursday we heard the people speak, and their verdict was clear. The answer was a very simple No. The lesson all must learn is that politicians must stop trying to impose their own ideas and start listening to the people.
"The Treaty can only take effect if ratified by all 27 Member States. Following the Irish referendum result, the ratification process cannot be completed. Gordon Brown should get the message, stop dithering and stop the UK ratification process without delay."