UK Parliament / Open data

European Union (Referendum) Bill

Proceeding contribution from Jim Fitzpatrick (Labour) in the House of Commons on Friday, 29 November 2013. It occurred during Debate on bills on European Union (Referendum) Bill.

It is not for me to respond on behalf of right hon. or hon. Members. When I was a private Member’s Bill Whip, I used to advise colleagues on a Friday. I would say, “Stay in your seat and don’t be provoked by anything Opposition Members say.” The hon. Member for Stockton South is showing admirable restraint. Some of the things that have been said during the debates on these Fridays will have irritated the life out of him, but he is keen to get to the conclusion of the debate. He has made a tactical and strategic decision, but I understand Opposition Members who would rather have engaged in a fuller debate with Government Members.

In conclusion, I support the EU. We have nothing to fear from a referendum. I support the Bill in principle and will vote for it on Third Reading. I look forward to my hon. Friend the shadow Minister explaining why I should support the two amendments he has tabled, which I suspect he will do shortly.

About this proceeding contribution

Reference

571 cc559-560 

Session

2013-14

Chamber / Committee

House of Commons chamber
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