Britain should have a referendum on the EU Treaty

Britain should have a referendum on the EU Treaty

05 Mar 2008

The panel debate the motion 'Britain should have a referendum on the EU treaty.

Arguing in favour of the motion are Neil O’Brien, Andrew Roberts, and Lord Lamont.

Neil O’Brien claims that, in terms of content, the proposed Lisbon Treaty does not differ from the dismissed Constitution, and suggests that attempts to approve it without a referendum are dishonest.

Andrew Roberts begins by giving a brief overview of how referendums have fared in other European countries. He admits the theoretical chance of a misuse of a referendum and expresses his general point of view that a referendum should only be used on matters of the highest importance.

Lord Lamont argues that the Lisbon Treaty would lead to an irreversible transfer of power from Parliament to the EU, including decisions of great importance to the public as well as the democratic system. Therefore, he suggests, the British population should be allowed to decide on this matter.

Arguing against the motion are Sir Stephen Wall, Vernon Bogdanor, and David Aaronovitch.

Stephen Wall begins by recalling that the UK’s decision to become a member of the EU in 1975 was the result of a referendum. He suggests that those calling for a referendum at this stage are in reality questioning this previous decision.

Vernon Bogdanor points out that Britain has historically used a referendum when the decision about a new constitutional arrangement or transfer of power from Parliament needs to be made. In his opinion, the Lisbon Treaty does not imply a large-scale transfer of power, and he therefore sees no need for a referendum.

David Aaronovitch questions the reasons behind the debate, claiming that there was generally only a call for a referendum during the legislative periods of the Labour Party. He suggests that there is little interest in a referendum among Britain’s population.

Final vote: 303 For, 209 Against

The motion is carried by 94 votes.