Alexander
Paull
Anne
Bonicard
INTRODUCTION
In this web review, you will have more information
about the European Constitution and how it is viewed in Britain. The first part
is about the Europe and the EU Constitution. The second part is about the
debate about the Constitution to be for or against. At last, the third part is
about the referendum which will take place in Britain . All the articles which
are in this web review are taken from the Guardian, the Times online, the BBC
website and the Observer.
PART 1: ABOUT EUROPE AND THE EU CONSTITUTION
Title :
“TIMELINE : THE EU CONSTITUTION”
Link : http://politics.guardian.co.uk/eu/story/0,9061,1181143,00.html
Source : http://politics.guardian.co.uk/
Interpretation. Analysis:
The Guardian newspaper, of which Guardian Unlimited is
its online presence, was founded in 1821 and has a long history of editorial
and political independence. It is known as the best daily newspaper on the
world wide web.
Considering the Guardian’s editorial code, it is based
on the fact that a newspaper's primary office is the gathering of news. At the
peril of its soul it must make sure that the supply is not tainted. Everything
is based on this.
English
summary
This article of the Guardian looks back over the advancement of the
negotiations on the EU constitution from the 28th of May 2003 until
the 30th of March 2004, date of the article. At this date, the EU
constitution hasn’t been signed by the EU leaders but is still a draft paper in
negotiation: It aims to streamline decision-making and to boost the Union role
in the world.
In June 2003, Blair agreed that the draft constitution was a good basis
for negotiations.
In September, the foreign minister Jack Straw compared the EU constitution to a
tidying-up exercise and confirmed that a british referendum wasn’t planned. But
a few days later, it seemed that british citizens really wanted a referendum on
the future of the EU. UK defended the
independence of national foreign policy and tried to preserve itself of a superiority
of EU in this area.
In december 2003, negotiations were collapsing as the
EU member states weren’t able to reconcile their wishes. However, negotiations
came back in march 2004 with the election of Zapatero in Spain and the wish of
Poland to reach a deal on the EU constitution. In march, Britain made efforts
by beeing more flexible about its wish of a national veto on judicial
cooperation. At that time, Blair pledged to reach an agreement even if he
insisted that UK won’t be flexible about some priorities as well as uphold its
veto such as habeas corpus.
Cet article tiré du périodique « Guardian » et daté du 30 mars 2004, fait une chronologie du point de vue du Royaume Uni sur le projet de constitution de l’Union Européenne. Il met en exergue les arrêts dans les négociations dus à des prises de positions différentes entre les pays membres. De plus, on y voit l’évolution vers un accord sur le projet de constitution, due à une convergence des pays membres, entre autre par le biais de concessions britanniques.
LEXICON:
Collapse: effondrement
To streamline: rationaliser
To be dogged: être tenu (tenace)
Draft paper: brouillon
To undermine : miner
To tidy up: ranger, mettre de l’ordre dans
To reach:
atteindre
To pledge:
engager, promettre
To uphold:
soutenir, maintenir
Title : “WHAT THE CONSTITUTION SAYS”
Link : http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/2950276.stm
Source : http://news.bbc.co.uk/
Interpretation.
Analysis:
Innovative, progressive and pioneering, the British
Broadcasting Corporation has proved to be a powerful force in the 20th century,
providing entertainment, education and information, and captivating millions of
viewers and listeners at home and abroad.
The BBC opened the new millennium with the most
ambitious programme in its history. Hundreds of outside broadcasts across the
globe fed into BBC Television Centre, and a continuous programme lasting 28
hours was beamed back to viewers around the world. The show involved 60
nations, and was seen in over 80 countries worldwide.
English
summary
This
article from the BBC news website of the 22nd June 2004, explains in
details the main points of the EU constitution. It lays particularly on the 12
main roles of the EU institutions.
Power of
the EU: It insist about the subsidiarity principle which is the fact that
member states achieve intended actions
which cannot be better achieved by the Union. The goal of this principle is to
avoid that the Union encroaches on the rights of member states.
Division of
responsibilities: The EU keeps its rights confered by the old treaties like
customs policy and external trade. However, the constitution widenes its
competences to asylum and immigration. At last, it does away with the old
structure of pillars.
Decision
making: Qualified majority voting is generally applied even if there is an
“emergency brake” for foreign policy, defence and taxation. That is, if a
country outvotes on an issue, it can ask the European Council to deal with it.
Qualified
Majority Voting: It defines the definition of QMV. There is a new system of
votes which put in place a fairer balance between large and small states.
However, if one national parliament objects, the action failes.
The
Constitution adds the election of a President and a Foreign Minister.
Foreign and
defence policy: The goal is to implement a common foreign and security policy
and also to frame a common defence policy. However, nothing is imposed to
member states because of the right of veto.
Reform to
the commission: Each member states will have one commissioner until November
2009. From then on, two thirds of the member states will be represented.
European
Parliament: The constitution gives greater power to the European Parliament
with a co-decision power with the Council of Ministers. That is, if the EP
doesn’t agree, the action won’t pass. Because the EP is the only democratic EU
institution, it seems normal to give it enough power to strengthen democracy.
The Charter
of fundamental rights deals with various topics from the general question of
liberty to the specific right of strike.
Legal
supremacy: it just confirms the subsidiarity principle. Added to that, the EU
will have a “legal personality” which permits it to enter in international
agreements as a whole what gives it the possibility to act in world diplomacy.
Leaving the
EU: If a member state decides to withdraw, it has, as it was already the case,
to simply repeal its own legislation on Europe and agree on some terms.
Cet article de Juin 2004 porte sur les compétences des institutions européennes donnés par le projet pour la Constitution.
Elle renforce le principe de subsidiarité et élargie les compétences de l’Union en ce qui concerne l’asile et l’immigration. Une « clause d’alerte » est mise en place dans les domaines de la politique étrangère, la défense et la fiscalité. Le vote à majorité qualifiée est redéfini pour permettre une simplification du système de vote.
De plus, la constitution instaure l’élection d’un président et d’un ministre des affaires étrangères européen qui représentent respectivement l’Union.
Un des objectifs de l’Union et de mettre en place dans le futur une politique étrangère et de défense commune à tous les membres de l’UE. Un élément important de cette nouvelle Constitution est l’intégration de la Charte des droits fondamentaux, car, cette charte n’était pas intégrée aux précédents traités.
La Constitution réforme le nombre de commissaires européens pour une plus grande facilité de prise de décision. Aussi, le parlement est pourvu de plus de pouvoir qui renforce le principe de démocratie.
Encroach upon: empiéter sur
Widen: élargir, agrandir
Asylum:
droit d’asile
Do away
with: supprimer
Pillars: pilier
Outvoted: avoir la majorité
Fair: juste
Lead: mener, conduire à
Behalf: au nom de
Implement: executer, accomplir
Frame : former, imaginer, construire
Strengthen: affermir,
renforcer; fortifier
Legal personality: personnalité juridique
Withdraw:
retirer
Repeal:
abroger, annuler
Link: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,13509-1468072,00.html
Source: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/
Interpretation analysis:
Founded in 1785
by Mr Walker, the paper started by concentrating its activities on commercil
advertising. Sponsored by State subsudies, the Times became quickly a
influential pro-government paper during the revolutionnary period at the end of
the 18th century. Based on a solid resort of foreign correspondants, the paper
developped a reputation for its exellent coverage of international topics. The
French Revolution helped to install the Times in Britain’s press environnement.
The rest of
its history is marked by conservatives aspirations and exellent foreign news
coverage which contributed to the Times’ international reputation. Until today,
this reputation has suffered no contradiction and the paper is always
considered as one of the most serious and objective newspaper in Britain.
The EU’s
target of becoming the world’s most dynamic economy by the end of the decade
has been put aside. Instead, The EU will concentrate more on cutting the
Continent’s massive unemployment.
This new
strategy takes example of the british experience, the EU’s most successful
economy. German and french social protection won’t be the priority any more.
Any other projects of bulding further Europe are held back in order to put in
place the right policies which will enable to cure the economical malaise in
Europe. In fact, the economy is put on the top of the agenda because the
comission is afraid that the unemployment could feed public dis-illusion with
the EU derailing the plan of the adoption of the european constitution. This
new orientation,supported by the government and by the Confederation of british
industry, was launched on the day german unemployment rose above five million.
The strategy of Lisbon, adopted in 2000, had the aim of overtaking the US’
economy by 2010. Unfortunately, the EU’s economy has since slipped further
behind the US and no changes are to be expected.
José Manuel
Baroso has said that, in 2000, the objective announced was not credible and
that there has been too many commitments made. The overgoal was right but the
implementation was poor. Today’s approach is more appropriate. A recent report
concedes that the european policies were also to blame while the agenda had
become overloaded putting at risk co-ordination.
A few
recommendations have been made like reducing barriers to trade in services,
like putting more public spendings into research on developpement, like
creating a European Institute of Technology and a harmonised compagny tax
across Europe. This last recommendation is opposed by Britain. According to the
commission, six million jobs will be created by 2010. Socialist leaders
complain that this new strategy is a copy of the american view while the
british commissioner, Peter Mandelson, is pleased to see that the plan is very
much in line whith the new labour thinking putting forward, therefore, the
british influence on the Eu’s economical policy.
French summary:
La stratégie économique de la Commission européenne a changé. En effet, l’ambition de dépasser la puissance économique des Etats-Unis d’ici 2010 a du être revue à la baisse. Cette stratégie s’appuie sur l’exemple britannique qui est l’économie la plus forte en Europe. Il faut, tout d’abord se concentrer sur la baisse du chômage en Europe pour empêcher que la déception des populations entraîne des difficultés pour l’acceptation de la Constitution en Europe. Les objectifs de la stratégie de Lisbonne n’étaient pas assez réalistes en mettant en place trop d’objectifs difficiles à mettre en œuvre. De plus, depuis, l’économie européenne est passée derrière le capital économique américain. Cette nouvelle stratégie s’appuie sur des réformes précises et vise à créer plus de six millions d’emplois. Les erreurs du passé ont donc été analysées et les dirigeants britanniques se réjouissent de voir que cette nouvelle vision économique se rapproche de celle prônée par le new Labour.
LEXICON :
To
cure : Guérir
Derailing:
Dérailler
To be
launched: Eriger, mettre en place
To rise: Augmenter,
s’élever
To overtake: Dépasser, doubler
The overgoal: Le but premier, la priorité
An implementation: Une implication
Link : http://politics.guardian.co.uk/eu/story/0,9061,1409519,00.html
Source : http://politics.guardian.co.uk/
Interpretation. Analysis:
The Guardian newspaper, of which Guardian Unlimited is
its online presence, was founded in 1821 and has a long history of editorial
and political independence. It is known as the best daily newspaper on the
world wide web.
Considering the Guardian’s editorial code, it is based
on the fact that a newspaper's primary office is the gathering of news. At the
peril of its soul it must make sure that the supply is not tainted. Everything
is based on this.
English
summary
Jack Straw,
the british foreign secretary, brought assurance on the Constitution when he
pointed out that no further process of integration would be initiated before
decades while he clearly signified that the EU constitution puts precise limits
to the EU powers.
These
remarks came the day british Parliament was talking of a bill wich would
establish, after a referendum, the constitution into british law.
According
to the government, a terrible loss of political power and of economical
influence will occur in the case of the victory of the no. In such a scenario,
Britain will be detached and isolated from the european project pushing the
country in a week position if ever a renegociation is considered.
Jack Straw
added that britain had managed, over the past years, to negociate a really
advantagous deal which had conforted its influence and power over Europe. The
choice is then simple: Strengh for Britain in its kind of Europe or isolation
and weakeness wich can put at risk all UK’s last political and economical
achievements.
On another
side, Michael Ancram, the shadow foreign secretary, argues that the
Constitution does not respect the british people’s right to self-determination.
For him, the Constitution is the first step towards an european state and only
renegociation could help to bring back power to the national parliaments. The
conservatives are opposed to this text and they are sure that a majority of the
british are to.
Mr Cook,
the former foreign secretary, intervened to insist on the fact that this
Constitution was made up of nearly 80% of the last five treaties, all signed by
Britain. This text only keeps the logic of britain’s 30 years’ long membership.
While some
see this new political organisation as a possible catastrophe, others see the referendum as a great democratic
opportunity with, at last, the EU agenda pushed forward in Britain.
French Summary:
Jack Straw a tenu à rassurer les britanniques sur l’évolution du projet européen. Il a mis en avant le fait que le processus d’intégration n’évoluerait pas pendant quelques décennies et que cette Constitution délimitait clairement les pouvoirs attribués à l’Europe. Il réassure tandis qu’il tient à ce que les possibles conséquences d’un refus soit connues de tous : faiblesse et isolation. Pour le gouvernement, l’enjeu est de garder tous les acquis politiques et économiques des dernières années au sein d’une Europe à forte influence britannique.
Les conservateurs s’opposent au traité constitutionnel et parlent d’une atteinte au droit d’autodétermination du peuple britannique qui, selon eux, est en majorité opposé au projet. Cependant, ce projet est basé essentiellement sur tous les traités signés jusqu’à présent et ne fait que confirmer l’engagement britannique depuis une trentaine d‘années. Pour beaucoup, ce projet est une nette évolution démocratique qui amène, enfin, la question européenne au sein du débat politique.
LEXICON :
Pointed out : faire remarquer
A bill : un projet de loi
Push forward : faire avancer, mettre en avant
Link : http://politics.guardian.co.uk/eu/story/0,9061,1410597,00.html
Source : http://politics.guardian.co.uk/
Interpretation.
Analysis:
The Guardian newspaper, of which Guardian Unlimited is
its online presence, was founded in 1821 and has a long history of editorial
and political independence. It is known as the best daily newspaper on the
world wide web.
Considering the Guardian’s editorial code, it is based
on the fact that a newspaper's primary office is the gathering of news. At the
peril of its soul it must make sure that the supply is not tainted. Everything
is based on this.
English
summary
The
referendum’s issue, is for the moment, taken easily but it could soon become a
very serious matter. The importance will increase from now up to November 2006
which is the amount of time given to Britain to decide of its future in Europe.
This issue could effectively have as a direct consequence the end of the 25
nations’union and the replacement of Tony Blair as prime Minister.
This issue
is uncertain because the press and the political parties are divided. The No
camp is upbeat and well-funded. It is based on the Tories, the UKIP, the BNP
and on the Murdoch
press while
the Yes vote can count on more neutral newspapers and on a serious coverage
from the brodcasters. The business world will stump up but it is certain that
Tony Blair and his government will have to convince the people that British
sovereignty is not at sake and that he is the man who can integrate further,
whith no dammages, Britain in Europe. A big stuggle in perspective.
La question de la Constitution et d’un référendum n’est pas encore rentrée dans sa phase ultime de mobilisation politique. Il est cependant possible d’évaluer la composition de chaque camp et de saisir la tâche qui attend Tony Blair. Il doit convaincre les britanniques que la souveraineté nationale ne risque rien et qu’il est, en quelque sorte, l’homme de la situation.
LEXICON:
Upbeat :
Well-funded :
Bien fondé
To stump up: ne pas se prononcer,
A struggle: Un combat
Link : http://observer.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,6903,1411871,00.html
Source : http://observer.guardian.co.uk/
Interpretation
analysis:
The
Observer, the oldest Sunday newspaper was founded in 1791 by WS Bourne. The
paper, in the 19th century reflected the morality of the age. All along
its history, the paper developped a reputation for serious coverage of politics
and litterature. After a period of tory influence, the paper became free of any
political alignement in 1948 with the arrival of a new proprietor, David Aston.
He established it as the voice of post-war Britain.
Acquired by
the Guardian in 1993, it has kept its reputation for setting, rather thn
folowing the news. The current editor, R Alton, sees the observer as the most
exiting Sunday newspaper.
English
summary
Since Tony
Blair has talked of the case of a referendum on the Eu constitutional treaty,
his political situation is close of becoming quite unconfortable. A refusal of
the constitution would have unavoidable consequences as the exit of Britain
from the EU and a possible resignation of Tony Blair.
Despite the
apparent domination of the anti campaign, a recent poll shows that the european
issue is more open than what is believed. Effectively, the difference between
the pros and the antis would be of only 2% ( 39% against 41% knowing that 20%
of the british are undecided).
Britain has
a natural inclination to criticise the government’s choices. This attitude
feeds popular scepticism and tends to create a kind of consensus on the refusal
of more european progress. But for some reasons, this consensus could be wrong.
First of
all, a new political majority has emerged composed of a coalition of the centre
and of the moderate liberal left. This force is able to represent the heir of
the one nation unity, creating with the labour successes, the dynamism that the
Yes needs to win.
On the
contrary, the conservatives have a bad image in the opinion and their strategy
of aligning themselves with parties like the UKIP or the BNP could reveal
itself as being a loosing one. On another side, this european process is
supported by the US and the economical and integrational perspectives show that
Britain ought to stay a member of this growing and influential club.
The Eu’s
economical policy appears to be going in the same direction as the one
championned by New labour. The coming british EU’s presidency could be an
opportunity to proove that Britain and the EU are on congruent paths. Proper
facts could, therefore, challenge all the misrepresentations held by the
popular press for example and put pressure on television or radio to show
reality accurately.
The pro
european campaign has not yet started. The intervention of intellectuals of all sensibilities could
influence a large part of the population and push some medias to be more cautious.
Finally, the poll will be held late next year and all Europe will have voted
yes. The argument of a possible renegociation on strong bases will be hard to
keep opposite britain’s possible isolation in Europe.
So the
referendum can be won if we consider all these reasons and the fact that the
pros are only 2% behind the antis. A victory would cement political unity and
the UK’s european membership around a politician who has always been lucky. Why
should it change?
Depuis que Tony Blair a parlé du référendum, sa position est devenue quelque peu inconfortable du fait de l’opposition majoritaire des britanniques au processus européen. Néanmoins, malgré les apparences, la question semble être plus ouverte que prévue. En effet, un récent sondage montre que les pro européens ne sont que 2% derrière les opposants. Une particularité nationale a tendance à critiquer le gouvernement et, donc, à créer un consensus contre le progrès européen prôné par Tony Blair. Cependant quelques raisons pourraient laisser certains penser que cette situation peut être changée.
Tout d’abord, la majorité politique actuelle est une nouvelle coalition qui a les moyens de créer une dynamique victorieuse. De plus, les conservateurs ont une image négative et leur alignement sur les positions de partis extrémistes peut encore plus nuire à leur image.
Aussi, les Etats-Unis soutiennent ce nouveau projet européen et les perspectives prochaines peuvent pousser le Royaume Uni à rester membre de ce club de plus en plus influent. Dans le même ordre d’idée, la politique économique européenne ne semble pas être trop éloignée de la vision travailliste et ceci est un argument fort pour la cause européenne en Grande-Bretagne.
Le débat britannique n’a pas encore entièrement commencé et l’apport de faits concrets par le camp du oui poussera certains médias à être plus dociles et à faire attention aux mensonges qu’ils professent. De ce fait, le débat apportera l’influence des intellectuels, toutes sensibilités politiques comprises, pour donner plus de force au oui. Enfin, la date du référendum est éloignée et, d’ici là, l’Europe aura voté oui réduisant considérablement la portée de l’argument de la renégociation face à la possible isolation de la Grande-Bretagne en Europe.
La différence est faible entre les deux partis. L’enjeu est important pour le pays dont le chef a toujours eu de la chance en politique. Il en aura sûrement une fois de plus.
LEXICON:
To be
cautious : Faire attention
BNP:
British National Party
UKIP: United
Kingdom Independent Party
Congruent: Conforme
Accurately: Précisément
The heir:
l’héritier
PART 3: THE REFERENDUM ABOUT THE EU CONSTITUTION
Title : “PROTESTS OVER REFORM LEAVE BLAIR ON SHAKY GROUND”
Link : http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,13509-1536540,00.html
Source : http://www.timesonline.co.uk/
This
article was taken from the “Times” of the March 22, 2005. It gives us a political briefing about the
British referendum’s stake.
Founded in
1785 by Mr Walker, the paper started by concentrating its activities on
commercil advertising. Sponsored by State subsudies, the Times became quickly a
influential pro-government paper during the revolutionnary period at the end of
the 18th century. Based on a solid resort of foreign correspondants, the paper
developped a reputation for its exellent coverage of international topics. The French
Revolution helped to install the Times in Britain’s press environnement.
The rest of
its history is marked by conservatives aspirations and exellent foreign news
coverage which contributed to the Times’ international reputation. Until today,
this reputation has suffered no contradiction and the paper is always
considered as one of the most serious and objective newspaper in Britain.
English
summary:
Tony Blair,
the British Prime Minister, avoids talking about the referendum about the EU
constitution, before the 5 may elections. However, he will have to do it
afterwards.
The Barroso
Commission relaunched the Lisbon reform programme of markets liberalisation and
tackled labour markets and pension costs.
Critics
have been made by Socialists and Green MPs denouncing the neo-liberal approach
of the Commission. Also, France and Germany, as UK, are not considering anymore
Brussels as a solution but rather as a problem. Moreover, markets
liberalisation is feared considering the impact of the competition by the new
European members states.
France and
Germany’s conjoncture are setting problems. Indeed, those two countries
struggle against unemployment and the Social Democrat stronghold of Mr.
Schrôder is nervous. In France, the “no” camp is increasing in the lattest
pools.
So, the
outcome of both referendums in France and Germany are the key influence in
Europe and may affect Tony Blair’s future. In Britain, a french “no” vote would
remove what some call the “threat” of a referendum. Also, a German “no” vote
would create political instability. And nothing will be under the fault of
Britain…
French summary:
Le premier ministre Anglais, Tony Blair, repousse le débat sur la constitution devant l’échéance électorale du 5 mai prochain. La Commission Barroso relance le processus de libéralisation des marchés lancé par le programme de Lisbonne en s’attaquant aux marchés du travail et des retraites. Les députés socialistes et verts dénoncent cette approche néo-libérale.
Le rôle de Bruxelles est de plus en plus appréhendé comme une menace pour la souveraineté, que ce soit en France, en Allemagne et bien sûr au Royaume-Uni. Ils voient la concurrence des nouveaux membres comme une menace. sans oublier les problèmes sociaux en France et en Allemagne (comme la lutte contre le chômage) donnent raison au vote « non ». Les référendums français et allemand seront donc influents pour la politique Européenne mais aussi pour l’avenir du premier ministre Anglais. En effet, si le « non » l’emportait dans un de ces deux pays, le Royaume-Uni n’y serait donc pour rien.
LEXICON :
Tackle: s’attaquer à
Feared: avoir peur de, redouter
To
struggle : lutter
Stronghold :
bastion
Pool: pronostique
Outcome: issue, conséquence.
Title : « HONESTY » URGED OVER EU PROJECT :
Link : http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4325341.stm
Source : http://www.news.bbc.co.uk/
Interpretation.
Analysis:
Innovative, progressive and pioneering - the British
Broadcasting Corporation has proved a powerful force in the 20th century -
providing entertainment, education and information, and captivating millions of
viewers and listeners at home and abroad.
The BBC opened the new millennium with the most
ambitious programme in its history. Hundreds of outside broadcasts across the
globe fed into BBC Television Centre, and a continuous programme lasting 28
hours was beamed back to viewers around the world. The show involved 60 nations,
and was seen in over 80 countries worldwide.
English
summary
Roger
Liddle, ex-prime minister adviser, claims for honesty in that the EU is a
political project. However, Keith Vaz, ex-Europe minister, stresses economic
arguments more than political arguments, in case the referendum is accepted.
Economic arguments, as the compelling financial one, Mr. Liddle concludes,
won’t be at the heart of the British debate, as shown by the successful british
economy. He added that british citizens have to know that Europe is a political
project and that Europe has to be more
credible and effective.
He said the
EU Constitution was the framework for an enlarged Europe and that UK won’t have
to pull out if they vote no. However, if it was the case, it would lead to a
lot of uncertainty in their relations with their European partners and Britain
could become a simple associated member.
Germany
consideres the constitution as the birth certificate of the United States of
Europe. This means more power given to Brussels. All parts agree on this point,
but are divided as to know if it’s a good thing or not.
Roger Liddle, ex-conseiller du Premier ministre, interpelle sur le projet politique plus qu’économique de l’UE et que la constitution constitue le fer de lance d’une Europe crédible et efficace. Cependant, Keith Vaz, ex-ministre européen , appuie plus sur les arguments économiques. Mr Liddle pense que les arguments économiques sont sur-estimés. Il est apeuré d’un possible refus du référendum ce qui mettrait à l’écart le R.U. Enfin, la discorde se tient aussi sur le pouvoir de Bruxelles qui n’est pas toujours perçu comme une bonne chose.
LEXICON:
To stress:
souligner
A compelling argument: un argument irrésistible
A Slipery slope: un terrain glissant
A framework: un cadre de travail
To pull
out : se retirer, s’extraire
To refresh:
rafraichir, revigorer
Link : http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4206955.stm
Source : http://news.bbc.co.uk/
Interpretation
analysis:
Innovative, progressive and pioneering, the British
Broadcasting Corporation has proved to be a powerful force in the 20th century,
providing entertainment, education and information, and captivating millions of
viewers and listeners at home and abroad.
The BBC opened the new millennium with the most
ambitious programme in its history. Hundreds of outside broadcasts across the
globe fed into BBC Television Centre, and a continuous programme lasting 28
hours was beamed back to viewers around the world. The show involved 60
nations, and was seen in over 80 countries worldwide.
English
summary
« Should
the UK approve the treaty establishing a constitution for the EU ?”
This is the
question which will be asked to the British citizen. A positive answer will
incorporate the constitution in UK’s law.
On one
side, critics say that the EU will be federalist while the pros insist on the
fact that the constitution is not the end of national intervention.
For Jack
Straw, if the no votes wins, Britain will be isolated and weak. In the case of
a yes vote, British prosperity at home and its influence abroad will be
secured.
The
conservative shadow foreign secretary, Michael Ancram, says that the question
asked to the British people, is confusing and describes it as an underhand
trick.
The
conservatives point out the fact that the government doesn’t want to deal with
the referendum issue before the election because they are afraid of a debate wich
would show how unpopular the european subject is.
The
reactions of others political sensibilities are various. For example, the UK
independant party thinks that the question could be reduced to “ Do Britain
want to stay or not in the EU?”, since the government says that a victory of
the no will push UK to leave the EU. A Green MP says that it is a flawed
document wich reduce the responsabilities of the EU. Generally speaking the announce of a referendum is well received, but Blair has to put a date of a poll on the political agenda
as soon as possible.
La question qui sera posée aux britannique lors du référendum sur la constitution européenne a été dévoilée. La question européenne intègre le débat national plus sérieusement. Le gouvernement rappel l’enjeu de la question tandis que les conservateurs dénoncent un coup vicieux qui permet de faire passer cette question en dehors du débat électoral et de pas faire ressortir exactement le fond de l’enjeu. Le BNP dit qu’il faudrait mieux demander au peuple s’il veut ou non rester dans l’UE alors que une personnalité du parti des Verts trouve que la constitution enlève des éléments importants de responsabilité à l’UE. La date du référendum est attendu avec impatience.
LEXICON :
Unveiled : dévoilé
A Underhandtrick : un coup vicieux, une illusion
Flawed : défectueux, mauvais