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Andrew

An Article in the Liberal Democrat News of March 29th, 2002

IN THE CONVENTION

The European Convention has begun its work. Last week we had a very long debate on our purpose. Our chairman Valery Giscard d'Estaing contends that the Convention exists to establish "a broad consensus on a single proposal" that "opens the way towards a Constitution for Europe".

In drafting the constitution, we will seek to enhance the capability of the European Union to act effectively at home and abroad. The Liberal preference is for the Community method - for strong supranational authorities articulating the common interest with ties that bind. We want the Commission and not the Council to have more executive power. We will oppose British moves to create a third legislative chamber, in addition to the Council and Parliament, made up of national MPs. We will promote proposals to reinforce the role of the regions and will be looking to improve citizens' access and that of the regions to the European Court of Justice.

While we support the Community method, we also wish to refurbish it. In this context, it is important that the European Council - in whose creation Giscard, with Jean Monnet, played a key role - should become subject to the normal disciplines of the Community regime.

Many have likened this Convention to Philadelphia in 1787 and Messina in 1956. The first was designed to strengthen the independence of the American colonies from Britain. The second showed determination to proceed to build Europe without Britain. Both were right, in their time, to do so.

This time, let us hope that Britain will not be excluded. Peter Hain, the government representative in the Convention, has made an encouraging start. But the crunch will come when the Brits have to square up to answering the federal question: who does what in Europe, and how. Our party must work at all levels to bring the government down firmly on the side of those who wish to build together a post-national parliamentary democracy in a more united Europe.

Andrew Duff, MEP for the East of England, and chairs the Liberal caucus in the Convention.

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Andrew's work
in the European Parliament since 1999

Andrew is Vice-President of the European Parliament delegation to the Constitutional Convention on the Future of Europe.

Rights for EU citizens

Andrew drafted the Charter of Fundamental Rights which has strengthened the rights of all the citizens of the European Union.

Turkey

Andrew is working for improved links between the EU and Turkey, to encourage improvements in Turkey's human rights record and to enhance its democracy.

Andrew's campaigning in the East of England

Airport Expansion

Andrew has led calls for the Air Travel industry to be subjected to the same rigorous environmental criteria as other modes of transport