Tories launch EU poll petition
The Conservatives today will reiterate their demand for a referendum on the new European Union constitution.
Foreign affairs spokesman Michael Ancram is to organise a national petition against the draft EU treaty.
He is to rally public support on the issue in the hope of prompting a rethink at No 10.
But Tony Blair has refused to countenance the issue. Downing Street insists the UK does not have a tradition of ratifying EU treaties through referenda.
Mr Ancram has said the EU constitution will “fundamentally change the way in which the British people are governed.”
“It is clearly a great leap towards a single European state,” he argued.
“It is hypocritical not to hold one on the most serious constitutional issue of the European constitution itself.”
A letter sent by Mr Ancram to Downing Street read: “We are confident this Petition will attract signatures and support from members and supporters from every part of the political spectrum who agree with us that on this issue.
“The British people must have their say. They demand the right to a referendum on the EU Constitution.”
