John Baron MP delivers EU letter signed by 100+ Conservative back benchers to Number 10

Letter calls for referendum legislation to be brought forward into this Parliament

Today John Baron MP delivered a letter to Number 10 signed by over 100 Conservative back benchers, calling on the Prime Minister to bring forward the legislation into this Parliament for the in/out EU referendum in 2017. John first called on the Prime Minister to do this when he organised the letter to the Prime Minister last summer (signed by nearly 100 colleagues) which called for an in/out referendum in the next Parliament. He again called for this legislation on the Floor of the House of Commons in his Ten-Minute Rule Bill in February.

John says,

“Our letter congratulates the Prime Minister on his EU speech of 23^rd January, in which he set out Conservative proposals to hold an in/out referendum in 2017. The country has waited too long for the opportunity to express its view. However, over 100 Conservative Colleagues and I have urged the Prime Minister to bring the enabling legislation forward into this Parliament.”

“This would address the lack of public trust when people hear politicians making promises about EU referenda – too many have been broken in the past. Legislation stands more chance of convincing the electorate than election promises.”

“There would be no downside in trying to pass this legislation. If it were voted down, it would be abundantly clear which politicians are with the public in their wish for a referendum. This issue has been subject to cynical politics for too long.”

“Bringing forward the enabling legislation would merely hasten the Prime Minister’s direction of travel. He has wisely left himself room for manœuvre on this matter.”

“Our hope is that the Prime Minister will listen, and come back after the Easter recess with his answer. We have requested a meeting to discuss the matter.”

Date: 2^nd April 2013

Notes to Editors:

• The list of signatories will only be known to John’s office and the Prime Minister’s.
• For more information, see John’s press release of 28^th June 2012 [‘John Baron MP sends nearly 100-signature letter to the Prime Minister urging EU referendum’], online at: http://pressreleases.johnbaron.co.uk/archives/1285.
• See also John’s press release of 6^th February 2013 [‘John Baron MP presents EU referendum Bill’], online at: http://pressreleases.johnbaron.co.uk/archives/1612.