letter to the editor from Richard Corbett MEP

12 January 2005

Various national and regional newspapers

Sir,

The allegations that the European Parliament has spent taxpayers' money on “parties” and champagne receptions to celebrate its approval of the EU constitution are unfounded. Attempts by some politicians to link this with the tsunami tragedy are the worst kind of hypocritical opportunism and beneath contempt.

What Parliament has done is to try to communicate its endorsement of the constitution, mainly via conventional press activities, with a particular focus on regional press. It is taking the debate to the people. Some ‘celebratory' events (illumination of façade, unfurling banners, etc) took place, but no money was be spent on social events or conspicuous consumption.

Parliament is financing action designed to increase public awareness of the debate on the constitution. It is odd that anyone should object to the European Parliament seeking to stimulate an informed public debate about the big European issue of the moment.

I need scarcely add that we do invite journalists, but we don't tell them what to report. Their presence provides a potential outlet for all opinions.

But what is significant is that the elected Parliament – composed of representatives of all Europe's main parties – concluded by a overwhelming majority that the draft Constitution is a significant improvement on the existing treaties in terms of the Union's openness, democratic accountability and effectiveness. It deserves to be ratified.

Richard Corbett

Co-rapporteur on the EU constitution