MP questions Europe Minister

Today in the House of Commons, during Foreign and Commonwealth Questions, John Baron MP asked the Europe Minister, Rt Hon David Liddington MP, about the Single Market. The Single Market provides for the free movement of goods, capital, services and people across the European Union, and is the guarantor of free trade within the bloc. However, due to the economic crisis, Eurozone states are drawing ever closer together, and there is a danger they could vote as a caucus in future EU deliberations, permanently outvoting those EU members who do not use the Euro.

In the House of Commons, John said,

“Now that the penny has finally dropped within the Eurozone that you can not have monetary union without fiscal union, which in itself leads to more political and economic union, what guarantees are the Government seeking that a caucus in the Eurozone will not override British interests in the Single Market?”

The Europe Minister replied that the Single Market is established by Treaty, which can only be changed by the agreement of all signatories.

Afterwards, John said,

“It is essential that the integrity of the Single Market is preserved and that British interests are respected. I urge the Government to take the necessary steps to ensure our voice continues to be heard.”

Ends

Word Count: 226

Date: 4^th December 2012

Notes to Editors:

·        For further information, see John’s press release of 8^th November [“John Baron MP votes against EU proposals for Banking Union”].