What is the European Union constitution?
It is essentially a rule book setting out what the EU can and cannot do. It sets down in writing the EU’s values and political objectives. What is it for? The constitution is designed to streamline decision-making in the enlarged EU of 25 states. For example, it lowers the size of the majority needed for most decisions in the European Council, and cuts the number of areas where a unanimous vote is required. But it also opens the way to deeper EU integration and greater centralisation of decision-making. Opponents argue the constitution will hand control of important issues such as foreign affairs, public services and the economy to politicians not elected by British voters. Who supports it? Prime Minister Tony Blair and Labour’s front bench, the Liberal Democrats, Plaid Cymru and a small group of Conservative MPs including leadership contender and former Chancellor Ken Clarke. Mr Blair is a relatively recent convert to the idea of an EU constitution, previously preferring to talk about
