We must end this divisive debate about Europe says Colin

2.43.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 12th Oct 2007

Colin Ross at the European Parliament

Colin Ross has reiterated his call for a referendum following various pronouncements this week from MPs, Government and the President of the European Commission.

Colin said "Enough is enough we must end this divisive debate about Europe and settle the matter for once and for all. I remain a committed European: I believe the EU has offered and continues to offer a number of positive reasons for the UK to remain a member. I am again calling for a referendum to allow a proper debate - a debate I think is needed and I believe that debate can be won and we can finally move on."

A Committee of MPs has bolstered claims that the government is "morally bound" to hold a referendum on the treaty. The committee also warned that the special UK opt-outs and protocols secured by the government to protect its so-called "red lines" may not prove effective in practice.

Gordon Brown this week met the European commission president, Jose Manuel Barroso, in Downing Street, with the two men exuding confidence that the British red lines would be preserved. Brown said "I believe we have succeeded in our negotiating objectives. If we were not to achieve our red lines, we could not accept the amending treaty." But he added: "I'm a cautious man and I will wait until we see the discussion which takes place in the council next week before I make a final judgment on this."

Jose Manuel Barroso the President of the European Commission has backed Gordon Brown by insisting the new EU reform treaty was not a constitution.