The EU has a fundamental role in guaranteeing peace and freedom in Europe. By promoting enterprise, protecting the environment, supporting global development and fighting discrimination, it brings enormous benefits to Britain. We will press for a Europe that is diverse, democratic and decentralised, with powers exercised at the lowest practicable level and only at a European level where inevitable. ____________________________________________________________
We must support the new European Constitution as it will define and limit the powers of the EU, ensuring decisions are made at the appropriate level and limit the roles, responsibilities and powers of EU institutions in relation to member states in a stable and legitimate framework, reinforcing democracy and public confidence.

The European anti-fraud unit should be independent of the Commission and able to launch pro-active investigations.

All EU institutions should conform to the principles of freedom of information, with the Council of Ministers meeting in public and publishing its proceedings – as should the European Central Bank.

We favour the application of majority voting in the Council where necessary but will maintain a veto on defence, regulations on pay, budgetary and tax matters.

Westminster's scrutiny of European legislation and of the activities of UK ministers must be improved.

We will reform the CAP and Fishing policy to refocus payments on achieving public, environmental and social goals rather than encouraging unnecessary production.

We favour British membership of the euro at a sensible exchange rate, subject to a referendum, reducing uncertainty for importers and exporters, promoting competition in the economy, raising the rate of growth and giving the UK more influence on single market rules.

All EU policies should be analysed for their environmental impact.