REENGAGEMENT OF CITIZENS WITH THE EU

Early day motion 572, tabled 5 February 2004 by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 22 members.

That this House notes with concern the results of the recent MORI poll showing that only 18 per cent. of people plan to vote in the forthcoming European elections in June, demonstrating an alarming apathy towards European politics; further notes that the poll shows a glaring lack of knowledge amongst citizens about the relationship between the EU and its member states, with 20 per cent. wrongly thinking that the European Parliament has power over income tax; calls on the Government to counter this mix of apathy and misinformation by re-connecting citizens with the politics of the European Union; and suggests that a referendum on the forthcoming European Constitution, with its process of public debate followed by a vote, would serve to educate and re-engage citizens in the politics of the EU and thus contribute to a stronger and more democratic Europe.

Signatures by party: Labour 10, Liberal Democrat 10, DUP 1, Scottish National Party 1.