John Baron MP presents EU referendum Bill

MP argues for legislation in this Parliament

Today in the House of Commons, John Baron MP presented a Bill under the Ten Minute Rule. The Bill called for legislation to be pulled forward into this Parliament for a referendum in the next. The Prime Minister’s referendum pledge is dependent on a Conservative victory at the next General Election. Putting legislation on the Statute Book now would guarantee a referendum regardless of the makeup of the next Government. More importantly, it would also address the public’s lack of trust when they hear politicians making promises about Europe.

In the House of Commons, John said,

“There is deep and understandable public mistrust when politicians make promises about EU referenda. People remember Tony Blair’s promise for a referendum on the EU Constitution, and how Labour then denied the people a say on the Lisbon Treaty. They also recall Liberal Democrat promises of a referendum at the last election. Legislation in this Parliament would address this deficit of trust.”

“A Bill would be better believed than a manifesto promise. A referendum would not be dependent on any one party. Any incoming Prime Minister would find it difficult to repeal a popular piece of legislation. This issue is more important than party politics.”

“A referendum would lance the boil, and would lead to a more positive relationship with the EU based upon trade and cooperation – or economic and political union.”

Afterwards, John said,

“I welcome the Prime Minister’s referendum pledge – he is now in step with the British people. However, understandable public cynicism when it comes to matters European needs to be addressed – this is what my Bill intends to do.”

Ends

Word Count: 283

Date: 6^th February 2013

Notes to Editors:

• The full text of John’s Bill is online at: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201213/cmagenda/ob130206.htm.
• Last June, John and 100 Conservative MPs sent a letter to the Prime Minister urging him to place legislation on the Statute Book for a referendum in the next Parliament.