Commons to debate EU referendum plan

11th January 2011

MPs are to debate details of a Bill which seeks to ensure "significant" powers can only be transferred to the European Union after a national referendum.

The European Union Bill introduces a "referendum lock" designed to prevent any further surrender of power from Westminster to Brussels

Leading a rebellion of Tory backbenchers, Bill Cash (Con, Stone) has tabled a series of amendments to the Bill seeking to make clear that Britain's sovereignty lies with Parliament.

They argue that the government will have too much scope on which issues go to a referendum, making the plan less democratic.

Labour says the Bill is a "dog's dinner" and have tabled their own amendment which seeks an annual review of the legislation's effects.

Speaking to Radio 4's Today programme, backbencher Peter Bone warned that some of his Conservative colleagues will oppose the Bill unless amendments are made.

The Wellingborough MP said: "They want Parliament to be supreme. I hope the government will accept some of the amendments that are laid down, but if they don't then some of us will vote against the government's line."

Europe minister David Lidington said the Bill would mean no "wriggle room" for ministers to get out of a pledge to hold a referendum.

He told the programme: "We are saying any future change to EU treaties, however minor, will be subject to a full act of Parliament.

"Any extension of EU competencies, such as a decision like joining the euro, would have by law to go with a referendum. There would be no wriggle-room for the government.

"And we have two clauses which make it clear that parliament has the final say in deciding whether EU law has effect in the UK."

He dismissed opposition to the government proposals from rebels, by saying: "The wriggle-room for ministers is narrowed down to the smallest margin possible."

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