21/06/2007 (Agence Europe) - The Federal Union (founded in the United Kingdom to defend the federalism of this country in Europe and the world) took a position in the debate on whether to hold a referendum on the Constitutional Treaty in the United Kingdom. The debate was also about what should be contained in the treaty. The authors of the text are looking at four other options: should the treaty be ratified by parliament and not in a referendum? Those defending this position affirm that treaties are complicated and a referendum risks becoming a “glorified opinion poll” for the government in office. There should be a referendum on the next treaty, whatever it says, to directly involve citizens. There should be a referendum on the next treaty, but the treaty should be clear, simple and substantial. This is the Labour government and Conservative party opposition's argument, although their opinions differ about what constitutes a substantial treaty. There should be a referendum on EU membership as a whole. The Federal Union points out that since 1975, there has not been a referendum on Europe, Scottish independence, electoral reform or the future of the monarchy…A referendum on Europe would open the way to others on other subjects. The conclusion of the Federal Union: if a referendum has to take place, it will only be successful if the government “puts forward honest and compelling arguments about the need for the treaty to make the EU more effective, democratic and accountable”. Information: (info@federalunion.org.uk); (http://www.federalunion.org.uk ). (lg)