David Cameron has announced a UK sovereignty act after he abandoned his "cast-iron" promise of a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty. Unveiling the Tories' new policy on Europe, following ratification of the Treaty, he said the new act would ensure British law takes precedence over EU law. "We cannot hold a referendum and magically make the Lisbon Treaty itself disappear," Mr Cameron said. But, he promised, "never again" would power be passed to the EU, without a referendum, under a Conservative government. "This is not about Westminster striking down individual items of EU legislation," the Tory leader said. "It is about an assurance that the final word on our laws is here in Britain." The Conservative leader is attempting to draw a line under the referendum issue by promising no further "erosion of British sovereignty". "We will make sure that this never, ever happens again," he said. "Never again should it be possible for a British government to transfer power to the European Union without the say of the British people in a referendum." Mr Cameron also said a Conservative government would aim to return some of the powers from the EU to Britain. The party would try to get back Britain's opt-out in some areas of EU social and employment legislation, a return of criminal justice powers, and a "complete opt-out" from the EU's charter of fundamental rights, he said. But he warned those eurosceptic MPs who have been calling for votes on a number of issues that he would not hold a "made-up referendum that would make people feel better for five minutes". "I don't think it's right to concoct a new pretext for a referendum," he added.

But his new policy, which Mr Cameron says is “settled” for the next Parliament, is coming under attack from his MEPs and party grandees. Mr Helmer said: “What we have is an essentially cosmetic policy. We are installing a largely ineffective burglar alarm when the family silver has already been stolen. "But the British people don't want vague promises. They want the family silver back in good order. “But I can neither justify nor support our new EU policy. In these circumstances, I have concluded that I can no longer continue to serve as a spokesman.”

Originally posted by Dermo
reply to post by alienesque

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I know what you are saying because I had that perspective until relatively recently and still do in a sense.. its the main part of the EU that I don't agree with. Its all done at a supranational level with very little say from the general populations.

Fact is though, international dealings and geopolitics almost never have anything to do with or have any input from the general population of the nations in question. I do understand that the EU is constantly diluting sovereignty and that should be left up to the populations but in their defense, everything they do is legal in relation to the constitutions of the member states.

Forced together is completely incorrect.. To be fair, the vast majority of EU citizens agree with the EU and what it has done and is doing.. its just that on sites like this, you will come across a majority who are against. Some countries are obviously more nationalist than others but still don't want out.. they know that they are better off in than out even though they might not like the future they see for nationalistic reasons.

I do get what you are saying about the future.. however, noone can predict what is going to happen. All I know is that the EU has pacified this continent, has created a massive pocket of wealth and ingenuity and is creating a democratic superstate. Democracy is the best system in order to stop war.

I appreciate your concern though

Originally posted by Dermo
reply to post by alienesque

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1. Possibly
2. Yes - It is all about legality after all.
3. Yes - Not all aspects but if asked would they want to disband it.. Answer = No!!! Therefore they support it.