Two More EuroNabobs let cat out of bag

Day after day another Euronabob pops up and makes the case for a Referendum to be called by Her Majesty’s Government on the Constitutional Treaty negotiated by Mr. Blair just before he did a runner in June.

Today the Daily Telegraph produces two more such, one no less than the very architect of the Constitution, former French President Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, who, in respect of his creation has tended to consistent and frank description of his handiwork as ‘constitution’.

Gordon Brown will have "problems" denying voters a referendum on the new European Union treaty, the architect of the old constitution has confessed.

Valéry Giscard d'Estaing yesterday admitted that differences between the new treaty and the constitution, which was rejected by French and Dutch voters two years ago, "are few and far between and more cosmetic than real".

Mr Giscard, the draftsman of the original constitution, acknowledges that Mr Brown will face difficulties with British citizens who were promised a vote on the first constitution, only to be denied a referendum on the new treaty.

"As the substance, in institutional terms, is similar or even the same, countries that feel this change has to be approved by a referendum have a problem that they have to settle," he said.

You could not have it clearer than that. What Blair signed was in substance, the same as that to which he agreed originally. Interestingly it seems that the former French President has advised Mr Brown against an "uncertain" referendum, predicting that British voters would do the same to the new treaty as the French and Dutch did to the old constitution. One is bound to say that it is very tiresome that these Foreign Johnnies are so insulting about the British voter’s ability to understand this Constitutional Treaty. The problem for the EuroNabobery is that, in truth, we understand it and its implications only too well which is why, if given the chance, we will vote against it with a thunderingly large majority

Euronabob No. 2 is the hapless Jean-Luc Dehaene, the former prime minister of Belgium who is now a senior MEP, an unrepentant EuroPhiliac. He noted that 95 per cent of the constitution was back. He said it was no surprise that voters were confused.

Mr Dehaene also insists the issue is not one for the voters, whether they are British, French or Dutch. "Europe will never go forward by referendum," he said. "Leading is showing the way, not following."

That really sums it up, does it not: Le Grand Projet is far too important to be left to the voters who might just, if given the democratic right to vote on the subject, throw a monkey wrench in the works.

“Europe will never go forward by referendum.” Remember that phrase: it is the voters they fear above all. Their response, "Let them Eat Cake", is one which those same voters will never forget and never forgive.