RED LINES OF THE EU TREATY RED HERRINGS
Red Line 1 - Justice and Home Affairs
Britain is excluded from the EU Justice and Home Affairs decisions unless we "opt in". While there used to be an opt in on a case by case basis, now countries have to opt in or out at the beginning of discussions. If the UK decides not to opt in, it may bear direct financial consequences.
Red Line 2 - Charter of Fundamental Rights
The Charter is presided over by the European Court of Justice, which will have juristiction over the UK. The European Commission has had to admit that the Charter grants certain new rights for citizens outside UK Law.
The opt out is infact merely a protocol that clarifies the effect of the Charter in the UK.
Red Line 3 - Foreign Policy and Defence
The name EU Foreign Minister has been changed to High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. The proposals of the Foreign Minister will not be able to be vetoed.
There is no veto in 11 areas including terrorism, civil protection and the new EU Foreign Policy Fund.
Ireland is the only country to be holding a referendum, and is thought to be in favour of the EU Reform Treaty, largely because the Irish believe they have a veto on foreign policy.
There is no veto as such but a non-binding declaration.
Red Line 4 - Social Security
The EU Reform Treaty gives new powers to the European Court of Justice to ensure equality of Social Security entitlements of EU and third country migrants.
Red Line 5 - Tax
BBC Europe Editor Mark Mardell reported on his blog that "the government had the good grace to admit privately that [the veto on tax] was a bit of a con and purely presentational."
The above is a summary of a briefing note on www.openeurope.org.uk