MP says PM has golden opportunity to introduce 2017 EU referendum legislation
Following speculation that the Amendment may not be moved, John Baron MP has confirmed today that he will be pushing the Amendment to a vote on Wednesday if it is selected by Mr Speaker. He has called on the PM to encourage his Party to support it and then introduce legislation in Government time for a 2017 referendum.
John said:
“The nature of our relationship with the EU is of fundamental importance to this country, and therefore political transparency is needed. Too many politicians have obfuscated for too long, and the electorate are tired of it.”
“All political leaders need to understand two things. First, the electorate want their say on the changing nature of our membership because the EU has fundamentally changed since we first joined. Second, there is deep public mistrust when people hear politicians making promises about EU referenda, for too many have been broken in the past. It’s time for politicians to grasp these truths and step up to the plate.”
“I call on the Government to support this Amendment if it is selected. It provides the PM with a golden opportunity. He can legitimately claim this situation was not of his making, and therefore not confined by the Coalition Agreement. He has the freedom to do the right thing for the country should he choose to do so. He should encourage his Party to support the Amendment, and then introduce legislation in Government time.”
“The argument that there would be no certainty of winning is weak. There is no downside in trying. We may win. Some Labour MPs will support this, whilst the Liberals have promised a referendum in past manifestos. But whether successful or not, all MPs would need to declare their hand – and the electorate would take note.”
Ends
Word Count: 313
Date: 13th May 2013
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