National Referendum on the European Union

Debate between John Redwood and Robert Walter

Monday 24th October 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Walter]

I hope that that is not correct and I remind my hon. Friend that he and I first met when we were both on a committee of the European Movement, which, of course, had just campaigned for a yes vote in that very referendum.

[Mr Redwood]

rose—

[Mr Walter]

I shall not give way any more.

The world has shrunk. More than ever, we travel, we trade and we live in each other’s countries. In 1972, this House voted not only to be part of that common European future but to be an architect of its destiny as a full member of the European Community. The European Union is not a perfect form of government, but neither are the British Government, any Department of State or any local government. If that were the case, we would not be here; we would all be wasting our time.

[Mr Redwood]

Will my hon. Friend give way?