Sceptics win Euro-debate

WE have nothing to fear from a European Union constitution and it does not carry the weight of objections that its opponents have put on it, Professor Sir Neil MacCormick, the retiring SNP MEP, argued last night.

Sir Neil, Regius Professor of Public Law at Edinburgh University, was speaking at a debate organised by the English-Speaking Union Scotland and The Scotsman at the offices of newspaper.

An audience of more than 120 heard him propose the motion that "this House welcomes the European Constitution in principle".

Opposing the motion, Struan Stevenson, Conservative candidate in the European Parliament elections, said a European constitution would pose a direct threat to Edinburgh and Westminster legislatures and pave the way for a common army, a common security policy, a harmonised tax system and a federal super state.

The motion was seconded by Ralph Riddiough, treasurer of ESU Scotland. The seconder against was Bob Dalrymple,a former winner of the Universities Mace.

Speakers from the floor queried why a federal European Union would necessarily be bad for Scotland, while others tested the speakers on their stance regarding the EU’s fisheries policy.

However, Sir Neil’s eloquence failed to carry the day, and the motion was heavily defeated.