(10 years, 11 months ago)
Commons ChamberI know for a certain fact that my hon. Friend the Member for Broxbourne is not a charlatan and a fraud. I very much hope that he withdraws his motion, because then the Government amendments could not be passed.
The hon. Gentleman made the point just before accepting my intervention: if the motion is withdrawn, the Government amendments cannot be passed. However, then we would not have any changes at all. It is a question for the House as to whether the House divides; it is not a question for the Chairman of a particular Committee.
(13 years ago)
Commons ChamberWith the increasing ratchet of the terms and conditions of European Union membership, that is now a condition of membership for new entrants to the club.
I do not agree with ever closer union, but I do believe in remaining in the EU and will oppose the motion.
The hon. Gentleman is perfectly at liberty to do that. Thanks in part to his good offices, we are having this debate about the future of Britain and Europe, which we would not be having without the Backbench Business Committee.