15 February 2005 - Pro-Europeans should vote ‘No’ in the referendum on whether the UK should sign up to the proposed EU Constitution, according to a report published today by Green Party Euro-MP Caroline Lucas.

In ‘Taking the Cons out of the Constitution’, Dr Lucas argues that the EU needs a new ‘big idea’ – and that the draft Constitution represents a missed opportunity to reconnect the EU with the peoples of Europe.

The report identifies and refutes four misleading statements – cons – made by the Constitution’s supporters: that the Constitution is just a ‘tidying up exercise’, that it will make the EU more secure, that it will enhance the EU’s sustainability, and that it will make the EU more democratic. “These arguments are simply false attempts to con the British people - most of whom will not actually have read the proposed Constitition themselves,” she said.

Dr Lucas, who represents South-East England and is a member of the advisory board of the pro-European think-tank Centre for a Social Europe, says: “Greens are pro-Europe but against the present direction of the European Union and its proposed Constitution.

“This little-read and typically unwieldy document will enshrine the neo-liberal economic model at the heart of the EU. Open markets, public expenditure curbs and international competitiveness will be constitutionally prioritised over environmental protection and workers rights.

“If adopted, it will accelerate the economic inequality, social insecurity and inadequate environmental protection found in much of the continent."

The Green Party backs the idea of an EU Constitution, but has called for a concise statement of principles which would redefine a new ‘big idea’ for the project – placing peace, sustainability and democratic accountability at its heart.

Dr Lucas added: "The EU faces a crisis of democratic confidence. The need for radical reform to place social and environmental justice at the heart of a transparent and democratically accountable EU has never been greater - but this proposed constitution is a step away from, not towards, these goals.

“If it is rejected by one or more countries the sky will not fall in on Europe. In fact, a rejection here in the UK – or in any other member state - would prompt a long-overdue rethink of the economic and political direction of whole EU project.”

‘Taking the Cons out of the Constitution’, which is co-authored by localisation expert Colin Hines, has been released to coincide with the run up to the Spanish referendum that takes place this Sunday.