John Baron MP welcomes EU referendum but questions pledge

MP suggests cast-iron referendum commitment

This morning, the Prime Minister gave a speech during which he undertook to hold a referendum within the next Parliament on our EU membership. In June, John Baron MP sent a letter to the Prime Minister, co-signed by 100 Conservative Parliamentary colleagues, asking him to place legislation on the Statute Book in this Parliament for a referendum in the next. Their argument is that a commitment to a referendum must be believable, and that the referendum itself must be credible.

John said,

“I am delighted the Prime Minister has promised an in/out referendum – something which was not on the table six months ago, but which is long overdue. I thank the 100 signatories to my letter. We can now have a vigorous debate.”

“However, whilst not doubting the Prime Minister’s sincerity, I am concerned his pledge will not be believed. Far too many promises have been broken in the past, such as Blair’s promise on the EU Constitution.”

“Why not bring forward this enabling legislation? After all, the Liberals promised such a referendum in their last election manifesto. Legislation would also force Labour off the fence.”

“Furthermore, the Prime Minister has indicated he will be campaigning for the ‘in’ option, whatever the result of his renegotiation. This may limit his chances of success, particularly as the direction of travel re integration is heading the other way.”