John Baron MP receives Prime Minister’s response to EU Referendum Letter

MP suggests Private Member’s Bill may be the way forward

At the end last week John Baron MP received a response from the Prime Minister to a letter he and 100 Conservative back bench MPs sent at the beginning of April. The letter called on the Prime Minister to pass the enabling legislation in this Parliament for the 2017 EU referendum. This move would silence critics who doubt whether the Conservatives are serious about holding the vote.

John said,

“I thank the Prime Minister for his response. I am pleased he acknowledges our points, even if in his opinion the Coalition does not allow him to bring forward the enabling legislation in this Parliament.”

“My Parliamentary colleagues and I will continue to make the case for legislation now for a referendum in the next Parliament. A Private Member’s Bill may offer the best way of taking this initiative forward, although other paths lie open.”

“Some are calling for the referendum itself to be held in this Parliament. However, there is real value in delaying the vote. It would allow the Prime Minister’s renegotiation talks to bear fruit, and therefore bring clarity as to the ‘in’ and ‘out’ options. Delaying the vote until 2017 will also enable the country to have an informed debate before making its decision.”

“My message to the Prime Minister is that he needs to support our calls for legislation in this Parliament for a referendum in the next. This would show Conservatives are serious in their commitment. There is no downside whether successful or not. It would be good for the country, and reduce UKIP’s appeal.”