John Baron MP presses Deputy Prime Minister at PMQs over EU Referendum

MP says Liberals are a shambles

Today at PMQs, the Deputy Prime Minister, Rt Hon Nick Clegg MP, was standing in for the Prime Minister, who is in China. John Baron MP took the opportunity to question Liberal policy regarding the EU Referendum Bill, which has just passed its phase in the Commons and will now be heard in the Lords.

John asked,

“The Liberals have a reputation for promising an in/out EU referendum in elections, but not doing anything about it in Parliament. Will the Deputy Prime Minister now put this right by encouraging his colleagues in the House of Lords to support our EU Referendum Bill?”

The Deputy Prime Minister said that his party had supported the European Union Act 2011, which stops any further transfer of powers unless the people consent via a referendum.

John said afterwards,

“The Liberal party are a shambles when it comes to an EU referendum. They promise one thing at elections, but do another when in parliament. They have not explained why they do not trust the electorate on this issue.”

Ends

Word Count: 192

Date: 4^th December 2013

Notes to Editors:

• The EU Referendum Bill contains the legislation for an in/out EU referendum in the next Parliament. It is the culmination of a long campaign led by John which involved letters to the Prime Minister signed by 100 Conservative MPs and his amendment to the Queen’s Speech in April.
• The EU Referendum Bill successfully passed through the House of Commons last Friday, and will begin its journey through the House of Lords early next year.