European Union (Referendum) Bill Debate
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Lord McCrea of Magherafelt and Cookstown
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European Union (Referendum) Bill
Lord McCrea of Magherafelt and Cookstown Excerpts(11 years, 4 months ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Fiona Bruce
The previous Labour Government had plenty of opportunities to grant a referendum on this issue, but they did not do so.
Dr William McCrea (South Antrim) (DUP)
Does the hon. Lady not find it strange that the last Labour Government had 13 years to renegotiate, if they believed in that renegotiation, and present it to the British people, yet did not do so? Labour has constantly, and to this day, denied, the British people a say in their future in Europe.
Fiona Bruce
The hon. Gentleman is right. If passed, the Bill will trigger a debate throughout the nation and give the British public an opportunity to make that informed decision. The debate has already started in this Chamber today. Millions of people across the country will be watching and listening, and will have heard valuable and critical contributions, such as the speech from the right hon. Member for Belfast North (Mr Dodds).