John Baron MP urges a fair debate over EU Referendum

MP says we need time to marshal the facts

John Baron MP spoke in Parliament today in support of the EU Referendum Bill, sponsored by James Wharton MP, as it returns to the House of Commons for its Report Stage. This is a crucial stage in the life of any Bill, where it is possible for MPs to suggest amendments to the legislation.

The Bill contains the legislation for an in/out EU referendum in the next Parliament. It comes at the end of a long campaign organised by John within the Conservative Parliamentary Party for a referendum in the next Parliament and legislation in this. The campaign included letters to the Prime Minister signed by over 100 Colleagues which resulted in the promise of a referendum in 2017. It also included an Amendment to the Queen’s Speech which was supported by 115 Conservative MPs. While defeated (the Conservative Front Bench having abstained), the Amendment had the effect of  forcing No 10 to legislate in this Parliament. Unable to persuade the Liberal Democrats to accept the legislation as a Government Bill, the Prime Minister was forced to go down the route of a Private Member’s Bill which is heard on Fridays.

John said,

“Our campaign for a referendum has been a long journey. It is therefore essential we have a fair and fully-informed debate. A 2017 referendum will allow time to nail the lie that leaving the EU will cost 3 million jobs. Time to allow small businesses – who tend to be more sceptical of EU regulations – to find their voice as big business has so far dominated the debate. Time for the Eurozone crisis to play out.”

“It will also give time for the Prime Minister to try and repatriate powers back to the UK – success will influence the outcome, failure will be plain for all to see.”

“Having long campaigned for a referendum in the next Parliament and legislation in this, I very much welcome this Referendum Bill. The British people have waited too long to have their say. It is a shame the Labour and Liberal Democrat Parties do not support the idea – it is about time they trusted the electorate.”