John Baron MP sponsors EU referendum debate

MP criticises the democratic deficit

John Baron MP, together with other colleagues, has sponsored a Parliamentary debate and vote for a ‘National Referendum on the European Union’. The vote will take place next week. Reports suggest that all three main Parties will be whipping their Members to vote against a referendum. As before with other votes on Europe [see below ‘John Baron MP votes for EU referendum on continued membership’ 2^nd February 2011], John will be defying the Government’s three line whip and voting in favour of a referendum

John said:

“For too long the British people have been denied their say on the EU. The time has now come to put this right. The political elites in Europe need to wake up to the fact that they are accountable to the people.”

“Ever since we joined what was supposedly a free-trade area, we have been sliding towards ever closer political union. Our sovereignty continues to be salami-sliced under this Coalition Government. The talk of a ‘referendum lock’ on future EU treaties is tilting at windmills, because no treaties are on the horizon. But meanwhile key competencies and powers, such as criminal justice, continue to be transferred.”

“I have always voted against closer political union, believing the EU should instead focus on free trade. But whether you agree with the EU or not, people should be given a choice on the issue. This should be a free vote in Parliament, and I will again be defying the Government’s three line whip by voting for a referendum.”

Notes to Editors

1)    The Motion reads:

“That this House calls upon the Government to introduce a Bill in the next session of Parliament to provide for the holding of a national referendum on whether the United Kingdom should

a)     Remain a member of the European Union on the current terms;

b)    Leave the European Union; or

c)     Re-negotiate the terms of its membership in order to create a new relationship based on trade and co-operation.