Balance of Competences

David Nuttall Excerpts
Thursday 12th July 2012

(12 years, 4 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord Hague of Richmond Portrait Mr Hague
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As I have said, hon. Members and political parties will be able to draw their policy conclusions from this review, and they will also, no doubt, take into account events that happen in the meantime. I am stating the policy of the coalition Government and pointing out that that has not changed, but in doing so, I do not prejudge the opinion that anybody could come to at the conclusion of this review.

David Nuttall Portrait Mr David Nuttall (Bury North) (Con)
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Following on from the last question, if the findings of this review demonstrate that our membership of the EU is damaging the prosperity of UK citizens, does my right hon. Friend not agree that the right and logical thing to do will be to give the British people the option to leave the EU by holding a referendum?

Lord Hague of Richmond Portrait Mr Hague
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Again, my hon. Friend is, in line with his consistently held views, trying to take me on to a different and further debate. What I am setting out today is a process that will inform the wider debate. It might inform it in different directions, but it will help to ensure that the debate takes place on the basis of established facts, and I am sure that that will be beneficial for all.