Crispin Blunt, MP for Reigate, today welcomed the David Cameron's announcements setting out a future Conservative Government's policy towards the European Union. In the light of the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty Mr Cameron made clear that a referendum on a treaty which is already law would be a costly and pointless exercise. However, he maintained his regret that the British people were not given a say on the Lisbon Treaty, despite the fact that all three political parties promised a referendum in ahead of the 2005 General Election. Mr Cameron also set out how, if elected, he would introduce legislation to prevent powers being handed over to the EU without a referendum in the future.
Speaking in Westminster today David Cameron said:
"What I am promising today is doable, credible, deliverable. That's what this is all about. Giving the British people a policy on Europe that they can actually believe in."
Crispin Blunt said in response to the speech:
"I welcome David Cameron's guarantee to the British people that the next Conservative Government will never again allow powers to be transferred to Brussels without a referendum. It was a betrayal of trust that the people never had their chance to vote on the Lisbon Treaty and it is now essential that we bring in new laws to prevent sovereignty being surrendered in this shameful way."
Dods Parliamentary Communications Ltd