Eighth Congress for Democracy

 Friday 1 November 2002

at Church House,   Dean's Yard, Westminster

The Eighth Congress for Democracy was held at Church House, on Friday 1 November and was attended by supporters of an independent pound from across the political spectrum.  

We were told that the Eighth Congress was our best yet, with outstanding and authoritative speakers.

The full minutes are available here.

The main topics were:

• The Labour Case for the Pound
  One of the most significant recent developments in the campaign for the pound has been the increased willingness of senior figures on the left, in both the Labour Party and the trade unions, to speak out against British entry to the euro. The formation of Labour Against The Euro is a major part of this trend, and we are delighted that LATE’s Secretary, John Cryer MP, agreed to address the Eighth Congress on the Labour case for an independent pound.  (Full text of speech here)

• Tactics for a Referendum
  The Eighth  Congress will also launch The Euro: The Battle for British Hearts and Minds by Andy Mullen and Dr Brian Burkitt of the University of Bradford. Details are enclosed. This publication considers the government’s euro strategy and its institutional and legislative preparations for entry. It outlines the many ways in which the government has acted to tilt the scales in its favour. This analysis of the fighting strength of the pro-euro side will help to prepare campaigners for the pound for what we will face if a referendum is called. The session was introduced by Brian Burkitt, followed by a full debate on tactics for a euro referendum campaign. (Full text of speech here)

• Legal and Constitutional Developments in the EU
  There is increasing disquiet in both this country and other EU states about the way in which the Convention on the Future of Europe is seeking to encroach on the sovereignty of nation states. The major debate of the day was on legal and constitutional developments in the EU and  was introduced by Martin Howe QC, the distinguished barrister specialising in EU law. (Full text of speech here).  David Heathcoat-Amory MP, a British representative on the Convention, brought Congress up to date on the latest developments. (Full text of speech here).