EU superstate ambition denied

UK Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has moved to fend off claims that he is paving the way for a European super state by calling for a written EU constitution. Mr Straw told business leaders in Scotland, 27 August 2002, that a constitution could help tackle disillusionment with the EU among ordinary people. It was the first speech by Mr Straw in a new round of events to engage the UK public in EU issues.