Graham Watson proposes a "Super Poll" for EU-wide referendum after a pause for reflection

11.49.39am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 3rd Jun 2005

European Liberal Democrat leader Graham Watson today called for a "Super Polling Day" ratification of the EU Constitutional Treaty in the autumn of 2007. 1st November 2007 could serve as a suitable date for an EU wide poll for all those countries which have not ratified the Treaty (and which choose to do so by public plebiscite), the Leader of the EP Liberals and Democrats said: "The European Council should delay by one year the final date for ratification of the Treaty establishing an EU Constitution. This will allow time to the governments of Member States to come clean with their people about what they are doing at EU level and why. There is no sensible case for ditching a Treaty which has been five years in the making and which consists of a carefully crafted compromise. But there is a good case for allowing France and the Netherlands to reflect on the solidarity needed in Europe in a fast-changing world. A vote held in France and the Netherlands and a number of other countries on the same day would ensure a truly European debate rather than a series of narrow, national debates like we have just witnessed".

Speaking at the EP Conference of Presidents (Group Leaders meeting) today with European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, Graham Watson continued: "It would be almost impossible to win a Yes vote in any country for a Treaty, the very future of which is shrouded in doubt. Holding national referenda simultaneously would allow European citizens to give a final verdict on the Constitution. If a majority in any one country voted against, it would be incumbent on that country to draw the consequences".