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03/09/2004
DUP's Jim Allister slams European Constitution
DUP MEP Jim Allister no doubt caused a few raised eyebrows among delegates yesterday when he denounced the new European constitution at the European Parliament's constitutional affairs committee.
Following speeches from pro-European MEPs, Mr Allister delivered an opening address in which he affirmed his commitment to national institutions - a sentiment he said that was shared by the majority of British citizens. He went on to attack the Constitution as an entity which would ultimately undermine the powers of Westminster.
Mr Allister said: "Sorry, Mr President, to spoil the party, but I am fundamentally opposed to this Constitution. While I accept mine is a minority view in this Committee and Parliament, I am confident that it is the majority view from the country from which I come, the United Kingdom."
He pointed out that the the creation of a European President, a European Foreign Minister and a European Army offended national authority.
Europe, in his view, should comprise a co-operative of nation states as opposed to a superstate.
Mr Allister added that the British people would reject the constitution in the planned referendum and objected to plans to use EU taxpayers' money to campaign for a 'yes' vote.
(MMcG/GMCG)
Following speeches from pro-European MEPs, Mr Allister delivered an opening address in which he affirmed his commitment to national institutions - a sentiment he said that was shared by the majority of British citizens. He went on to attack the Constitution as an entity which would ultimately undermine the powers of Westminster.
Mr Allister said: "Sorry, Mr President, to spoil the party, but I am fundamentally opposed to this Constitution. While I accept mine is a minority view in this Committee and Parliament, I am confident that it is the majority view from the country from which I come, the United Kingdom."
He pointed out that the the creation of a European President, a European Foreign Minister and a European Army offended national authority.
Europe, in his view, should comprise a co-operative of nation states as opposed to a superstate.
Mr Allister added that the British people would reject the constitution in the planned referendum and objected to plans to use EU taxpayers' money to campaign for a 'yes' vote.
(MMcG/GMCG)
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