EU Treaty Reform
September 19, 2007 12:21 PM
By Jim Hume MSP
By Jim Hume MSP
Presiding Officer much has been said on the need for reform of the European Treaty and it's fair to say that this is long overdue. But I should say at the outset that Liberal Democrats do not believe a referendum is necessary on the measures proposed. Liberal Democrats do not believe in Scotland as an independent EU member.
If I could speak on two specific issues from my perspective as Liberal Democrat environment spokesman and an ordinary MSP - climate change and fisheries.
The Reform Treaty has agreements on climate change and the fight against global warming, which have been added as targets for the European Union. In addition, several provisions of the treaties have been amended to include solidarity in matters of energy supply and changes to the energy policy within the European Union.
Membership of the EU is therefore of vital importance to the protection of our environment.
Most would agree that the biggest single issue facing all of us is climate change. As a party Liberal Democrats have long led the debate on the environment. Whilst not perfect, the carbon emissions trading scheme is a model for other parts of the world. To make a start we must strengthen the scheme.
If we expect Europe to take a leading role on climate change, then we must get on with the reform of its policies and institutions.
And on fishing. I should first first thank Mr Lochhead for his response to me on the EU fisheries Fund and my concerns that Eyemouth and the Berwickshire coast line in my region should be designated fisheries dependent areas. In your manifesto you said that and I quote, "the failure of successive UK Conservative and Labour governments as well as the Labour-Lib Dem Executive to adequately represent or protect the interests of our fishing industry is one of the biggest failings of the current constitutional settlement." I do not stand alone when I say that this fisheries dependent area status for Eyemouth and the Berwickshire coast line would be one very large step towards affirming the SNP's real commitment to the fishing industry in my part of the world.
I think many would appreciate answers to several questions -
Is the Scottish Government actively campaigning to scrap what you refer to as the "disastrous" Common Fisheries Policy at the European Council table?
Is the Minister attending, as his MEP colleague called for, every single European Council Meeting?
And will Richard Lochhead be implementing the 10 point plan he advocated only 9 months ago?
The draft EU Constitution proposed no changes to competence over fisheries nor over the conservation of marine biological resources under the Common Fisheries Policy. Does the Scottish Government still hold the position on exclusive and shared competence on fishing?
And marine conservation - this has always been an exclusive competence of the European Union. If the final Treaty notes the continuing state of the competence on fishing, will the SNP Government refuse to support ratification of the Treaty in the UK?
Speaking at my party's conference in Brighton, the President of the Commission stated quite clearly that nobody questions the need for reform or the idea that the institutions of the European Union must become more efficient, more effective and more accountable.
Straight from the horse's mouth!
Independent membership of the EU is not an option. Joe Borg, the Fisheries Commissioner, has made clear his view that Scotland would have to re-apply to become an EU member.
Straight from the horse's mouth. Again.
The French have decided to hold a nationwide referendum before any new members are allowed into the EU - putting an independent Scotland's membership in the hands of the French people. Is this really what we want?
Liberal Democrats believe quite categorically that this treaty is good for Scotland and the whole of the UK.
Presiding officer, by streamlining the Commission we're allowing more effective decision making in the Council and ensuring that democratic accountability is transformed. This is not about allowing the European Parliament a more substantial role, but rather, it's about giving Parliaments a greater say.
What would you like to do next?
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