Straw: patriots should back EU constitution

Foreign Secretary Jack Straw today called on pro-Europeans to make the "patriotic case" for the European Constitution.

His plea came as the Government unveiled the Bill for a referendum on the controversial treaty.

As revealed last week in the Evening Standard, ballot papers will ask voters: "Should the United Kingdom approve the Treaty establishing a Constitution for the European Union?"

Opponents claim the constitution will undermine British sovereignty and Tory leader Michael Howard has called it a "ball and chain" for UK business.

But Mr Straw said: "For too long, those seeking to isolate

Britain from the rest of Europe have laid claim to the best patriotic tunes.

"But the consequences of what they advocate should be every patriot's nightmare: a weaker and isolated Britain whose future security and is put at risk. Pro-Europeans should reclaim the flag and put the patriotic case for the constitution. British power depends on it."

The Foreign Secretary promised the "yes" campaign would expose the "myths and fabrications" of the Eurosceptic lobby.

"Britain will not have to relinquish control of its borders. We will not be forced to scrap our currency. We will not have give up our right to set our own foreign policy," he said.

The Vote No campaign accuses the Government of "running scared" in the face of polls showing strong opposition to the treaty.