UK company executives caution politicians in advance Of EU Treaty Debate.
A number of of the U.K.'s company executives have warned the politicians against damaging the U.K.'s relationship with the rest of Europe Union.
Parliament is to begin a crucial debate on a European Union reform treaty.
The business leaders have advised parliament not to use anti-European rhetoric when they criticise the proposed treaty - which is to replace the failed E.U. constitution and intended to simplify E.U. decision-making.
The business executives claim the U.K. economy had benefited massively through its E.U. membership, further commenting that "constructive engagement" with Europe would be a better political direction.
The message, was signed by 35 business leaders including British Airways PLC (BAIRY) chief Willie Walsh, advertising giant WPP Group PLC (WPPGY) chairman Martin Sorrell and London-based JP Morgan (JPM) co-chief executive Bill Winters.
It said "business community should not be silent" as parliament begins debating the treaty Monday.
The group also called for E.U. policy to focus on strengthening the single market and other cross-border issues, such energy and migration.
If endorsed by EU member nations, the agreement would make it easier to position E.U. policy by allowing bloc decisions by majority, rather than unanimous voting in 50 new areas including judicial & police collaboration.
The move would effectively end national vetoes, and could possibly allow the more powerful internal alliances within present 27 nation EU to effectively manage the others in ways that could possibly be harmful to other member states.
The new proposals also includes reform of the E.U.'s executive Commission and an overhaul to the position of E.U. foreign policy chiefs.
The UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown has denied the claims of the detractors of the new proposals insisting the treaty is vital to ensuring the continued success of the 27-nation bloc, which has welcomed several new members in recent years.
The prime minister has recieved heavy cross party criticism for refusing a referendum on the treaty whilst ignoring the wishes of over 80% of the population, the Labour party have also gone back on their manifesto which offered a referendum, similar to that which allowed the people of Scotland their right for self determination. |
