The results of the elections to the European Parliament demonstrate a clear rejection of Tony Blair's commitment to centralising yet more powers in Brussels by signing the EU Constitution.

In addition to the UK Independence party's success in doubling its share of the poll to 15% on a much higher turnout than five years ago, the support of the other anti-constitution parties must also be taken into account: the Conservatives, Greens, and Respect (George Galloway led left-wing movement).

However, what the polls also demonstrate is that an all-party coalition will be needed if the government is to be prevented from imposing the next proposed transfer of powers. The EU-critical vote is fragmented across diverse party political and ideological sectors. Opinion polls also show that most Labour and Lib Dem supporters are at odds with the leaderships of their parties on the European issue. Therefore, the campaign to decentralise power away from the EU back to the voters must not become monopolised by or too closely associated with any one party if it is to succeed. Simply galvanising the support base of the Tories, UKIP or the Greens will not, by definition, deliver victory in a referendum.

Another encouraging aspect of the elections, was the success of democratic elements in other countries. In Sweden and Holland EU-critics were elected, including Paul van Buitenen, the courageous Commission 'whistleblower' who Neil Kinnock and others tried to sideline.

We can rest assured, that once Tony Blair signs the EU Constitution the government and European Union will spend millions of pounds of taxpayers' money and play every dirty trick in the book to try and secure victory. The current New Labour framed legislation relating to the funding arrangements for referenda leave Tony Blair free to massively outspend those who oppose him. In addition, the Electoral Commission has shown itself to be unwilling to resist the government as has been seen on the issue of all-postal ballots. Securing a 'no' vote will not necessarily be as easy as some EU-critics are assuming.

Reacting to the results of the Euro Elections, DM campaign director Marc Glendening said:

"With a majority of voters casting their votes for EU-critical parties, and with polls showing that a significant majority throughout the country oppose the EU constitution, Tony Blair clearly has no mandate to agree any new transfer of powers at the summit this week."

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For more information, contact Marc Glendening on 020 7491 3072 or by e-mail.

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