UK Parliament / Open data

European Union (Referendum) Bill

Proceeding contribution from William Bain (Labour) in the House of Commons on Friday, 8 November 2013. It occurred during Debate on bills on European Union (Referendum) Bill.

I entirely agree with my hon. Friend.

It is interesting to explain the purpose behind these amendments, and I can best do so by contrasting the referendum proposed in this Bill with the referendum that was held in 1975, when two White Papers were issued on the terms of the renegotiation between the United Kingdom and our European partners. That was prior to the Bill’s publication and its being presented to Parliament. When Parliament was asked on that occasion to consider legislation to establish a referendum, it knew the full details of what the implications of a no vote and, indeed, a yes vote would be for the electorate. That is what my amendments seek to put into the Bill, because, as drafted, it simply does not achieve that aim.

About this proceeding contribution

Reference

570 c588 

Session

2013-14

Chamber / Committee

House of Commons chamber
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