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Last Updated: Tuesday, 8 June, 2004, 16:07 GMT 17:07 UK
Howard makes election last push
Howard on the campaign trail earlier this week
Michael Howard has detailed why he is opposed to an EU Constitution - accusing Tony Blair of making "huge concessions" that will damage Britain.
The Tory leader claims the government has only had 10 of its 275 amendments to the constitution's text accepted.
"We deserve a government that has the confidence to get the best deal for Britain, not a government that gives up at the first hint of trouble," he said.
He was speaking as campaigning for the 10 June polls reached its final stages.
<
r>Tony Blair's red lines are just a red herring to divert attention from the huge concessions he has made - even though he knows they will be bad for Britain
Michael Howard
The Tories face the
possibility of losing support in Thursday's European and local elections to the UK I
ndependence Party, which wants Britain to withdraw from Europe.
But in a campaign speech at High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, Mr Howard, outlined why he is "passionately opposed" to an EU constitution.
He accused Mr Blair of failing to get a satisfactory agreement on the constitution text, "even in his own terms".
Euro
"Amendments opposing a European foreign minister, a European public prosecutor and a new system of majority voting have all been rejected," he said.
"The truth is that Tony Blair's red lines are just a red herring to divert attention from the huge concessions he has made - even though he knows they will be bad for Britain."
Mr Howard said he disagreed with those who believed you could only do business with Brussels if you hand over more powers, or you give up on Europe altogether.
He pointed out that Margaret Thatc
her had managed to secure a rebate for Britain despite being told nothing could be done about the fact Britain paid more than its fair share of the total EU bud
get.
"People said the same sort of thing to us about the euro - they told us 'if you don't join, you won't survive on your own'," said Mr Howard.
"We didn't accept that - the Conservatives again said 'no'. And now we will say no to the EU Constitution.
"The truth is if you stand up for what you believe in, you can get things done in Europe."
Skara Brae,
madkins
Last Updated: Tuesday, 8 June, 2004, 16:07 GMT 17:07 UK
Howard makes election last push
Howard on the campaign trail earlier this week
Michael Howard has detailed why he is opposed to an EU Constitution - accusing Tony Blair of making "huge concessions" that will damage Britain.
The Tory leader claims the government has only had 10 of its 275 amendments to the constitution's text accepted.
"We deserve a government that has the confidence to get the best deal for Britain, not a government that gives up at the first hint of trouble," he said.
He was speaking as campaigning for the 10 June polls reached its final stages.
<
r>Tony Blair's red lines are just a red herring to divert attention from the huge concessions he has made - even though he knows they will be bad for Britain
Michael Howard
The Tories face the
possibility of losing support in Thursday's European and local elections to the UK I
ndependence Party, which wants Britain to withdraw from Europe.
But in a campaign speech at High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, Mr Howard, outlined why he is "passionately opposed" to an EU constitution.
He accused Mr Blair of failing to get a satisfactory agreement on the constitution text, "even in his own terms".
Euro
"Amendments opposing a European foreign minister, a European public prosecutor and a new system of majority voting have all been rejected," he said.
"The truth is that Tony Blair's red lines are just a red herring to divert attention from the huge concessions he has made - even though he knows they will be bad for Britain."
Mr Howard said he disagreed with those who believed you could only do business with Brussels if you hand over more powers, or you give up on Europe altogether.
He pointed out that Margaret Thatc
her had managed to secure a rebate for Britain despite being told nothing could be done about the fact Britain paid more than its fair share of the total EU bud
get.
"People said the same sort of thing to us about the euro - they told us 'if you don't join, you won't survive on your own'," said Mr Howard.
"We didn't accept that - the Conservatives again said 'no'. And now we will say no to the EU Constitution.
"The truth is if you stand up for what you believe in, you can get things done in Europe."
Skara Brae,
madkins