Danish workers delivered a massive blow against the Maastricht treaty when they voted 'no' in last week's referendum. The vote was far from being an expression of petty nationalism; the whole of the left had campaigned for a 'no vote, arguing for a rejection of the undemocratic bosses' Europe that Maastricht implies.
Maastricht is an issue of vital concern to workers. European monetary union means deflationary policies to suit the German Bundesbank, which in turn means big cutbacks in social spending throughout Europe.
The European Social Charter is a con; the European parliament doesn't even have the power to impose a 48-hour maximum week on Britain - a hundred years after workers won the 8-hour day! There is no chance that it will ensure fundamental social rights- of employment, health care, minimum wages and good working conditions.
Undemocratic
Fortress Europe will mean tough policies against immigrants and asylum seekers. It means an undemocratic Europe in which the crucial decisions are made in secret by the Council of Ministers.
Preparations are already under way for the creation of a European strike force, a multinational army of 100,000 soldiers for use against the third world.
The Maastricht process itself is profoundly undemocratic. The new Burope is being stitched up behind the backs of the people; after Denmark, Ireland is the only country certain to get a referendum, and France might.
The left should demand that the British people have their say; if the Danes can have a vote, why not the British? If a new Europe is to be created, the people of Europe must decide. Danish people celebrate the No vote in the referendum After the fall of Stalinism, the reconstruction of Europe is inevitable. But its shape must not be left to the bankers and the bosses; the answer is a European constituent assembly, a congress of the peoples to hammer out their alternative.
Here and now Labour must use the opportunity of the Maastricht debate to inflict a defeat on Major in parliament; and the Labour leadership must demand a referendum. If the Labour leadership backed it, the pressure for a referendum would become irresistible.
PHOTO: Andrew Ward Home News