John Baron MP questions Prime Minister on EU ‘red card’ backfiring

MP says referendum choice for voters is very clear

Today in the House of Commons the Prime Minister, Rt Hon David Cameron MP, gave a statement following the European Council meeting last week. At the meeting, the Prime Minister agreed Britain’s new relationship with the heads of government of the other 27 EU countries.

In the House of Commons, John asked,

“This is tinkering, not fundamental change. The ‘red card’ is not a veto, as in practice it will not stop the EU forcing unwanted taxes and regulations on the UK.”

“But will the Prime Minister at least accept the possibility that the ‘red card’ could be turned against us, in that the majority of the EU’s National Parliaments could block UK-sponsored initiatives, such as improved liberalisation of the Single Market, which would be in our national interest?”

The Prime Minister agreed that this could happen, and said it was democracy.

John said afterwards,

“Well there you have it – the ‘red card’ could backfire upon us. The renegotiation means that we can govern ourselves as long as the majority of EU National Parliaments allows us to do so.”

“The choice for the British people in this referendum is therefore very clear: to leave and thrive outside the EU, whilst saving ourselves £10bn a year, or remain on the escalator towards ever-closer union of an organisation whose failings, including much higher unemployment rates, are becoming increasingly evident.”