Prime Minister apologises for any misrepresentation
Today in the House of Commons during a Statement on the EU Council, John Baron MP pressed the Prime Minister regarding the letter written by John and signed by 100 colleagues. The letter called for legislation in this Parliament for a referendum in the next. The letter was delivered to No 10 on Wednesday, but the response from No 10 has been that this is not the time for an in/out referendum. This has misrepresented the contents of the letter. Signatories of the letter are known only to the Prime Minister and John.
John asked:
“The Prime Minister has repeatedly said now is not the time for an in/out referendum. But will he confirm that the letter I and 100 colleagues sent him instead urged him to legislate in this Parliament for a referendum in the next.”
“This would address the public mistrust people have when they hear politicians making promises about EU referendums. They remember all too well the broken promises of the previous Labour Government.”
In response the Prime Minister said he apologised if he had misrepresented the contents of the letter. He did understand what was being asked of him, but he did not agree with the approach.
John said afterwards:
“It was good that the Prime Minister apologised. My colleagues and I will continue with the campaign. If we succeed, the British public would know that they could trust a Conservative government to deliver a referendum in the next Parliament. But regardless of the next General Election result, any Prime Minister would find it difficult to repeal popular legislation.”
“A referendum in the next Parliament would give us time to have an informed debate as to the question or questions to be posed to the public. It would also give time for the Eurozone crisis to run its course.”
Ends
Word Count: 323
Date: 2nd July 2012
Notes to Editors
See ‘John Baron MP sends nearly 100-signature letter to the Prime Minister urging EU Referendum’ [28th June 2012]
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