European Union (Referendum) Bill

Andrew Selous Excerpts
Friday 5th July 2013

(11 years, 4 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Douglas Alexander Portrait Mr Alexander
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I had better try to make a little progress.

No doubt when the Foreign Secretary gets to his feet in a few moments’ time he will make a characteristically witty and engaging speech; there is certainly material available to him. However, we all know that he has been drawn into supporting this Bill out of weakness, not strength. In November 2011, he argued that committing then to an in/out referendum would put the economy at risk, undermine jobs and growth, and compromise vital British interests. This is what he said on that occasion—