Charles Kennedy to speak at debate on Europe

7.48.00pm GMT Thu 21st Feb 2008

The Central London Europe Group (a branch of the European Movement) and Europe Direct are hosting "EUROPE'S LISBON TREATY AND YOU" on Tuesday 11 March 2008, 18:30 at Farringdon Room, St Bride Institute, 14 Bride Lane (off Fleet Street), London EC4Y 8EQ Speakers: Rt Hon Charles Kennedy MP (President, European Movement), Sir Stephen Wall (Vice Chair, Business for New Europe and former European Adviser to Prime Minister Tony Blair), Derek Scott (Deputy Chairman, Open Europe and former Economic Adviser to Prime Minister Tony Blair)

The hosts say that the Lisbon Treaty will reform the EU institutions and its policy-making structures. In the context of the current deliberations in Parliament on the new Treaty, this public debate will discuss what difference these reforms will make, for the EU in general and the UK in particular. How will they affect European citizens as well as Britain's relationship with the EU? Is the new Treaty taking Europe in the right direction?

They say it is argued that a new Treaty is necessary in an enlarged Union of 27 member states to streamline decision making, to make the EU more democratic by boosting the role of the European and national parliaments as well as strengthening the citizens' rights through a brand new Charter of Fundamental Rights but there are fears that Britain's famous opt-outs are not secure, that British freedom in foreign policy will be eroded by a dynamic de facto EU "Foreign Minister", and that such a treaty is altogether too centralising and sovereignty-stealing.

The debate will be followed by drinks and light bites

To book a place contact:

Richard Wassell

E-mail: rcw@netcomuk.co.uk