John Baron MP speaks in Queen’s Speech EU Debate

MP says we put a mirror up to ourselves when we vote on 23rd June

Following the State Opening of Parliament last week, yesterday MPs had the opportunity to discuss the EU referendum during the foreign affairs section of the debate on the Queen’s Speech.

In the Chamber, John said,

“The EU referendum represents a seminal moment in our history. It allows us the opportunity to lance the boil of our strained relationship with the EU. The result will tell us much about how we see ourselves and our place in the world.”

“I suggest that it is remaining in the EU—an organisation mired in uncompetitiveness, low growth and high unemployment, with youth unemployment reaching 50% in some countries—that presents the greater danger. The EU’s vaunting project of monetary union has proved to be a disaster. Voting ‘in’ is not a static option.”

“Some may remember that it was broadly the same group of people who predicted absolute disaster if we did not join the euro. The same people are now predicting the very same if we leave. The last time the Bank of England predicted a negative economic shock was when we were considering leaving the exchange rate mechanism. It transpired that we had a very long period of economic growth following our exit from the ERM. That goes to show that forecasts from the establishment are not always up to the mark.”

“On immigration, we pursue a discriminatory policy at the moment: we say no to the rest of the world, but yes to the EU. That is not fair. Let us treat everybody fairly, and let us benefit from the skills around the world. However, we cannot do that at the moment.”

“Then there is the £10 billion that we could spend if we left the EU—that is, the difference between the £19 billion we send to the EU and the £9 billion that comes back by way of various grants and the rebate. We would be £10 billion up. What could we spend that on? Many things.”

“This also comes down to sovereignty. However, to conclude, I would say that we put a mirror up to ourselves when we vote on 23rd June. Let us get out.”