Committed Quote by Tony Benn
“I did publish a Bill once called "Common Sense" with a new constitution for Europe called the "Commonwealth of Europe," setting it all out - what it's rights were, how it would work. And I think that that will be where is has to go. But I'm not anti-European, I'm just a democrat, a very committed democrat. I don't see why the hell I should obey a law made by someone I didn't elect and can't remove.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: European Parliament Address, 1990
He proposes a new European constitution to empower democratic governance, emphasizing that citizens should not be bound by laws from unelected bodies.
In simple terms: He wants a democratic European system where people have a say.
Key Takeaway
Advocate for democratic accountability in Europe.
Themes
democracy
governance
European integration
law
citizenship
Mood
skeptical
hopeful
determined
Type
political
policy
When to use this quote
- voting rights
- policy making
- public debates
- citizen engagement
Key Concepts
constitutional design
political legitimacy
EU reform
Questions to Reflect On
- Should citizens have a direct vote on EU laws?
- How can Europe balance unity with democratic control?
A Different Perspective
Democratic legitimacy is essential for law acceptance.
