UK’s Relationship with the EU

Stephen Gethins Excerpts
Tuesday 2nd February 2016

(8 years, 9 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Stephen Gethins Portrait Stephen Gethins (North East Fife) (SNP)
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Does the Minister agree with me and Members from every party in the House—including the Conservative party—that a June referendum would be disrespectful, and that a quick referendum would create a missed opportunity for a full, comprehensive debate on the UK’s membership of the EU, and the best way to keep us in the European Union?

David Lidington Portrait Mr Lidington
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I always take seriously the need for fairness for people in all parts of the United Kingdom when it comes to setting the referendum date. As I said earlier, we listened closely and took on board the comments made by the Scottish National party’s official foreign affairs spokesman, who said that there should be a six-week interval between the Scottish elections and any referendum. No decision has yet been, or can be, taken, at least pending the February European Council. Only then can we decide what date to nominate, and what statutory instrument to bring forward to the House.