Liberals and Democrats will hold Blair to his commitments over Europe

4.37.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 23rd Jun 2005

"Liberals and Democrats take at face value Tony Blair's assurance when he said 'I believe in Europe as a political project'", said Graham Watson in Brussels this morning following a European Parliament debate on the UK Presidency priorities for the European Union.

"We have long argued for the kind of reforms that Tony Blair is now advocating that will make Europe more effective in meeting global challenges on the one hand and restoring confidence in its citizens on the other. But Britain now needs to show that it is fully part of Europe and helping to shape it as a community of values that has a modern, strong economy matched with social justice."

Graham Watson outlined 3 basic reforms that the British Prime Minister and incoming President of the EU can implement to address the alienation of European public:

Transparency of decisions made by the Council of Ministers. "Europe can no longer be built on secrecy and spin. If people do not understand what is happening we cannot reproach them for rejecting it" said Watson. "I welcome Mr Blair's commitment in his replies that he would give serious consideration to this during his Presidency. We may at last be making progress in democratising Europe by opening up its most closed institution."

Parliamentary scrutiny. "National parliaments need to be involved more closely in scrutinising ministers when they return from meetings in Brussels and holding them to account. The European Parliament must also be respected when it comprehensively rejects draft laws that infringe citizens' civil liberties."

Wider public debate. "One good thing from the current constitutional crisis is the real debate that is now taking place on the future of Europe. This must be continuous and serious if we are to build a Europe based on the aspirations of its people and not ignoring them."