EU Constitution: theGovernments Thin Red Lines

Business leaders todayurged the Government to toughen up its negotiating stance in talks on the proposedEU constitution. The Institute of Directors (IoD) said vital business concernswere not being fully addressed by the Governments declared red lines.

In a new policy paper theIoD maintains that the 'red lines' do not go far enough in protecting theinterests of British business. They should also include the Charter ofFundamental Rights; the new system of 'shared competences' that will hand newpowers to the EU; and certain other business concerns.

TheIoD, voicing its concern ahead of the European Council summit in Brussels on12-13 December, said the Government should win a better deal for Britishbusiness and make a public commitment to a referendum on the EU Constitution.

TheIoDs Parliamentary and European Adviser, James Walsh, said:

"The'red lines' have focused attention on battles the Government expects to win.But they distract attention from other vital areas where British jobs are atstake. The Government should be drawing red lines under these issues,too."

/2..

Ofparticular concern, the IoD said, was the proposed 'shared competence' onEnergy which will hand control of energy policy to EU level. Given the UKproduces 90% of the EU's oil needs, this is of major concern to Britishindustry.

James Walsh, said:

"It is vitalthat control of energy policy is retained at Member State level. Regrettablythe Government gives every impression of playing catch-up on this crucialdebate. Ministers must get fully up to speed before the Brussels summit andensure that a watertight amendment is passed to secure the UK's control ofenergy policy."

ENDS 11.12.03 No.217

Contact Points:

Richard Taylor, PressOfficer, tel. 020 7451 3264

Mobile and out of hours. 07721 734886

David Marshall,Director of Public Affairs, tel: 020 7451 3263

mobile and outof hours: 07764 883420

Email. press@iod.com

Web. www.iod.com

Noteto editors:

Copies of the policypaper - Beefing up the red lines: keynegotiating points for British business - are available from the IoD PressOffice on 020 7451 3264, press@iod.com

The Institute ofDirectors is a non-party political independent organisation with around 55,000members. In addition to its wide range of business services, the IoD providesan effective voice to represent the interests of its members to government andkey opinion-formers. It also brings the experience of business leaders to bearon the conduct of public affairs.