Oral Answers to Questions

Gordon Henderson Excerpts

Tuesday 6th July 2010 Commons Chamber

[Mr Hague]

That is the sort of issue that we want to resolve. Given that the hon. Gentleman has raised it, I will have a particular look at that and see whether there are additional representations that we need to make over the coming few days. When these things happen, they are unacceptable and they show that we must put as much momentum as possible behind our efforts to broker peace in the middle east. That is why it is such a priority for the Government. I will certainly look to see whether we can do any more about the point that he makes.

[Gordon Henderson (Sittingbourne and Sheppey) (Con)]

14. What recent assessment he has made of the prospects for enlargement of the European Union; and if he will make a statement.

[The Minister for Europe (Mr David Lidington)]

We strongly support further enlargement of the European Union but also believe that countries that want to join must clearly meet the membership criteria. We welcome the progress made during the Spanish EU presidency, including the decision to open negotiations with Iceland, and the progress on accession negotiations with both Croatia and Turkey.

[Gordon Henderson]

Rather than encouraging an enlargement of the EU, will the coalition Government consider helping to reduce its size by holding a referendum that would allow the British people the opportunity to decide whether we remain a member of the EU?

[Mr Lidington]

The Government believe that British membership of the EU is very much in the national interests of the UK, and—[Interruption.]