EU Constitutional Treaty Art. 7a

From an article by Lee Rotherham in the European Journal (via Christina Speight).

"In a few brief words, this clause becomes the very germ of the EU’s ultimate self-destruction. Without realising it, the ‘fathers of Europe’ have acknowledged that countries can aspire to be free of the red tape, stay clear of the assaults on freedoms and national justice, and just quietly sell their goods to their neighbours. It allows politicians to legitimately consider taking back national powers by withdrawing from the EU and renegotiating as an outside partner. It not only legitimises national sovereignty and independence; it authorizes and endorses it. As sovereignty is squeezed, regulation by regulation, leaving the EU by this route will become increasingly attractive."

So sod the referendum on the Treaty, and don't let's be fooled into a 'nuclear option' referendum of straight in or out: we can have a ...

three way referendum on the EU:
	In
	Out
	Move to Article 7a 'free trade' status
pollcode.com free polls

UPDATE----------------

As far as I can make out, proposed Article 7a reads:

(1) The Union shall develop a special relationship with neighbouring states, aiming to establish an area of prosperity and good neighbourliness, founded on the values of the Union and characterised by close and peaceful relations based on cooperation.

(2) For this purpose, the Union may conclude specific agreements with the countries concerned. These agreements may contain reciprocal rights and obligations as well as the possibility of undertaking activities jointly. Their implementation shall be the subject of periodic consultation.