All 1 Debates between Lord Dobbs and Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton

European Union (Referendum) Bill

Debate between Lord Dobbs and Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton
Friday 24th January 2014

(10 years, 11 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord Dobbs Portrait Lord Dobbs
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I beg the noble Lord’s pardon, but I do not think that he heard what I said. I said that the date could be changed, but it would have to be for a darned good reason, a reason that the people would accept.

Lord Dobbs Portrait Lord Dobbs
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We have made a great deal of progress today in this House, and perhaps I could express the serious wish that we should set the objective of getting through Committee today, which would be hugely helpful. That means that I am reluctant to take any more interventions because I am so very close to concluding my remarks on this point. If the noble Baroness insists, of course I will give way.

Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton Portrait Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton
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My Lords, the noble Lord said that in order to vary the date from before the end of 2017, there would have to be a good reason. I have listened very carefully and have not heard from the noble Lord one very good reason why that particular date has been chosen. While I am on my feet, I ask the noble Lord not to misrepresent those of us who are committed pro-European Union Members who believe that people should, at the appropriate time, be given a chance to express their point of view in a referendum, by sweeping us all aside as people who do not want to listen to the public.

Lord Dobbs Portrait Lord Dobbs
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Again, if I have given that impression to the noble Baroness, I apologise, but that has never been my intent in this. We know that some in this House have been playing games about this Bill, and I have gone a long way in accepting that the debate we have just had has been serious, sensible and one that I welcome.