UK Parliament / Open data

European Union (Referendum) Bill

Proceeding contribution from Gareth Thomas (Labour) in the House of Commons on Friday, 22 November 2013. It occurred during Debate on bills on European Union (Referendum) Bill.

I have given way to Government Members a number of times and I want to conclude my remarks.

My hon. Friend’s amendment lists a whole series of sensible organisations that have a view on the arrangements for the referendum. He has excluded one group, but his catch-all line on other bodies that the Secretary of State might see fit to consult would perhaps allow for ex-Prime Ministers. Both recent Labour Prime Ministers could offer sound advice to the Conservative party on Europe, and it would appear that the most recent previous Conservative Prime Minister could offer it sound advice too.

My hon. Friend’s amendment ought not to have been even remotely necessary. I welcome the fact that he tabled it and look forward to his winding up the debate, but I say gently to the Minister for Europe that he really needs to give this House some clarity soon about what powers and competences the Prime Minister wants to bring back to the UK as a result of the treaty change he believes is coming.

About this proceeding contribution

Reference

570 c1507 

Session

2013-14

Chamber / Committee

House of Commons chamber
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