MEPs endorse new EU Constitution

1.06.33pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 12th Jan 2005

Welcoming the overwhelming vote by the European Parliament endorsing the new EU Constitution (500 MEPs, 74% of those voting and over 2/3 of the total number of MEPs), London Liberal Democrat MEP Baroness Sarah Ludford said:

"The EU needs this constitution, which will make it more democratic as well as more effective. Far from creating a European 'super-state', the new rules will in fact constrain any abuse of power because of more accountability to directly-elected MEPs, greater scrutiny rights for national MPs, limits to EU competence and ability to go to court if the EU treads on citizens' rights."

"But in addition, the EU will become more capable of tackling serious cross-border crime, and managing immigration jointly, and have greater weight in world affairs. I'm convinced that when Londoners realise that this new Constitution increases Europe's collective ability to rise to modern challenges, they will support it."

Related Link:

ALDE Group Constitution website.