National Referendum on the European Union

Paul Blomfield Excerpts

Monday 24th October 2011 Commons Chamber

[Jake Berry (Rossendale and Darwen) (Con)]

It is a privilege to follow the hon. Member for Vauxhall (Kate Hoey). I congratulate the Backbench Business Committee, and particularly my hon. Friend and neighbour the Member for Bury North (Mr Nuttall), who is not in his place, on securing this debate. It is important, and the strength of support behind the online petition shows that people in this country care about it. I congratulate the Government on introducing the Backbench Business Committee.

[Paul Blomfield (Sheffield Central) (Lab)]

Some hon. Members have cited the feeling of people in this country. Is the hon. Gentleman aware that Ipsos MORI conducts regular polling on the most important issues to people and that this month, as in several months, this issue is the 22nd most important, with only 3% of the population believing that it is?

[Jake Berry]

I am aware of that polling, and that is why I do not support today’s motion.