John Baron MP votes for EU referendum

MP says electorate should have say about changing relationship

 Last night in the House of Commons a debate and vote took place as to whether this country should have a ‘National Referendum on the European Union’. All three party leaders instigated a three line whip to vote against the referendum. Having been one of the MPs sponsoring the debate, and as with other votes on Europe, John Baron MP defied the Government’s whipping and voted in favour of a referendum. John and his colleagues were defeated 483-111 – some 80 Tory rebels voted for a referendum.

 In questioning the Foreign Secretary and in speaking during the debate, John said:

 “The reason I support a referendum is because we joined what was essentially a free-trade area yet it has turned more and more into political union. People do not like that. They want to be consulted, yet they have been denied their say by consecutive governments. Governments cannot keep ignoring the electorate.”

 “There have been no shortage of red herrings and Aunt Sallys as to why we cannot have a referendum. The first concerns how important Europe is to us economically. But this debate is not about that; it is about whether the British people should have their say.”

 “We have also been told this is not the right time. But it has never been the right time. Indeed, with Europe in a state of flux, this is perhaps a better time than most to renegotiate our relationship.”

 “As for talk about a referendum lock on future treaty change, this is tilting at windmills for there is no treaty on the horizon. Meanwhile, key competencies and powers continue to be transferred to Brussels on a weekly basis – criminal justice is but one example.”

 “The political elite across Europe – not just here – should understand the growing frustration with the current situation. Electorates want to be consulted, and not denied their say. The time to put this right is now.”

 Ends

Word Count: 333

Date: 25^th October 2011