John Baron MP presses Foreign Secretary over need for EU referendum

MP questions why a commitment now can not be given

Today in the House of Commons during a statement by the Foreign Secretary, Rt Hon William Hague MP, on a Government initiative to commit to undertake an audit of EU powers, John Baron MP pressed the case for an EU referendum. John has written to the Prime Minister urging him to legislate in this Parliament for a referendum on the nature of our EU membership in the next Parliament. This would give time for an informed debate. The letter was co-signed by 100 Conservative Parliamentary colleagues. John awaits a written response from the Prime Minister.

John asked,

“I wish the Government well in its attempt to repatriate powers back from the EU. However, can the Foreign Secretary explain why he can not commit now to an EU referendum on our membership in the next Parliament? This would allow time for an informed debate and the Eurozone crisis to play out, whilst also addressing the lack of public trust when people hear politicians making promises about matters European.”

The Foreign Secretary replied that the audit of EU powers, due to report in 2014, is a separate issue to a referendum, but that it would be helpful in coming to a view.

John said afterwards,

“The Foreign Secretary has clearly kept the option open for an EU referendum. However, a firm commitment now for a referendum in the next Parliament would address the credibility gap with the public.”

“Whatever the outcome of the Eurozone crisis, the EU will have fundamentally changed in nature since we joined in the 1970s. Our letter has put a referendum on the agenda, and this issue will not now go away.”