TheEU Constitution: IoD calls for referendum

In response to therelease of the Governments White Paper,A Constitutional Treaty for the EU, the Institute of Directors (IoD)repeated its call for a referendum on British adoption of the Treaty.

Ruth Lea, Head of thePolicy Unit at the IoD, said:

"We welcome thefact that the Government has red-lined - in other words has pledged to keepthe national veto - for the key issues of tax, social security, common foreignpolicy and defence and criminal law. But we are very concerned that theGovernment is prepared to let many changes proposed in the draft Constitutiongo through unchallenged. There is no doubt that these changes significantlyextend the power of Brussels over this country. It is only right and fair thatthe British people should be given the opportunity to say whether or not theywant this to happen. There should be a referendum.

ends 9.9.03 No.197

/2.

Contact Points:

Ruth Lea, Head of thePolicy Unit, tel. 020 7451 3116

Richard Taylor, PressOfficer, tel. 020 7451 3264

Mobile and out of hours. 07721 734886

Email. press@iod.com

Web. www.iod.com

Noteto editors

TheInstitute of Directors is a non-party political independent organisation witharound 55,000 members. In addition to its wide range of business services, theIoD provides an effective voice to represent the interests of its members togovernment and key opinion-formers. It also brings the experience of businessleaders to bear on the conduct of public affairs