A vote on Europe - if not Lisbon, then Rome

Today I introduce a Bill in the House of Commons that would give the people a direct vote on Britain's membership of the European Union; the European Union Membership (Referendum) Bill.

All three political parties promised us a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty. Yet it never happened.

For thirty years, it's been left to politicians and diplomats to determine our Euro policy. No one under the age of 53 has had the chance to vote in a referendum on it.  I think now it's time to let the people decide.

Naturally, given how government controls Parliament (as opposed to the other way around), my Private Members Bill faces an uphill struggle to become law. But it puts down a marker.  It breaks the Westminster taboo.  What has been unsaid for too long is now in print on the Order Paper.  

If it is too late to have a vote on the Lisbon Treaty - and I think it is - then we need to have a vote on Rome.  

This isn't just about Europe.  It's about making politics link more directly to the people.  It’s about direct democracy and people power. 

My Bill is backed by MPs from all parties.  And even by MPs who support the EU, but fear it lacks legitimacy without a vote. 

Surely the only reason to oppose such a referendum must be fear of the result?

Posted on 16 December 2009 by Douglas Carswell

Comments

Thank you.

Posted on 16 December 2009 11:40 by Daniel1979

I suspect you'll have the support of most of Britain on this one, Douglas. You certainly have mine.

Posted on 16 December 2009 11:48 by Elliot Kane

A vote runs the risk of derailing the EU gravy train, which is why senior politicians don't want it.

However, at least once we've had a vote we can abide by the result even if it's not the one we want. If we're in then the sceptics can shut up or leave the country, if we're out then the philes can emigrate to somewhere else in the EU (and hope the EU loves them enough to let them stay).

Just make sure the question asked is very clear on which is yes and which is no, governments are good at fudging the issue. Can you post a link to the relevant Bill text later?

Posted on 16 December 2009 11:49 by David Hough

Good Luck !
Because of the boy Cameron`s u - turn i have told Ed Vaizey (my MP)that he nor anybody will be getting my vote.
I think there are thousands like me.
Regards.

Posted on 16 December 2009 11:54 by Roger Ledger

Dougals, well done. Can you explain a bit about the parliamentary process - does this go to the HoC for a vote next week ? Or next month ? Or does it have to be OKed by the government first ? Or what ?

Posted on 16 December 2009 12:23 by Freddy

...but worse: fear of MORE referenda!

Posted on 16 December 2009 12:42 by Gandhi

Best of luck with this Douglas,


God only knows why you are in a party led by the spineless buffoon Cameron.

Did you see his piece in the Guardian today? Ghost written by Polly?

Posted on 16 December 2009 13:00 by libertarian

Hallelujah, Do you think it will make it to the vote? If it works well done if it gets blasted to smithereens commiserations but well done for going ahead

Posted on 16 December 2009 13:26 by Rohen Kapur

Good luck. I hope there is enough time to get this through.

I am one of those who was born in a free Britain and never had a vote on whether to join the Common Market.

The last referendum was fixed, based on lies. We need an open and fair vote.

I can't see why you continue to support the Cons though.

Posted on 16 December 2009 13:30 by Peter the UKIP

If you fail to get the an official referendum please push for UKIP to organise one itself. This could be more effective than General Election participation in getting us out of the EU.

Posted on 16 December 2009 13:32 by Brian Gilbert

Well done, heros never come from the ranks of the establishment. Though it may be defeated this time, it is a start, and you have a great number (possibly even the marjority) of English people behind you.

Make sure you get it publicised as much as you can. Great oaks grow from little acorns, they just need planting in good soil.

Posted on 16 December 2009 13:40 by Miranda

"My Bill is backed by MPs from all parties"

OK, how do we find out the names?
If my MPs name isn't there I want to know why!

Posted on 16 December 2009 13:41 by RightWingGit

Well done Douglas and thank you.

I wish we had more like you in Westminster.

Posted on 16 December 2009 14:05 by Matt Davies

Good luck but the three main parties will do all in their power to stop you in your efforts, does not matter what the majority in the UK or Europe for that matter want, its what they want. Democracy in action, dream on, we have been well and truly stitched up.

Posted on 16 December 2009 14:06 by Andrew Roberts

"Just make sure the question asked is very clear on which is yes and which is no..."

Ok. Would you like to vote for years of peace and prosperity, cuddly little kittens and the European Union, or do you prefer the collapse of Western Cuvilisation, wailing in the streets and leaving the EU?

Vote Here -

Posted on 16 December 2009 14:08 by Dodgy Geezer

Thank you.

Posted on 16 December 2009 14:50 by twalker

There is no reason a 1975 style vote cannot be held on the terms of our membership of the EU as established by Lisbon, which of course subsumed all previous treaties in to it.

This could be held as a pre-cursor to negoiating revised terms, or be held up as a consequence of a failure to genuinely negotiate said revised terms.

I suppose there will ultimately have to be three votes: Do you like the terms we have? Do you like the revised terms? Should we remain members anyway?

Amy Winehouse, over to you...

I said No, No, No!

Posted on 16 December 2009 15:46 by local local

Bravo Dougy you have restored my waning faith in British politics countless times over.

Put up a facebook page asking people to press their MP's and I will disseminate it to as many people as I can.

Also for anyone who wishes to support Dougy in his exploits and show our political masters that their days are numbered the longer they ignore the wishes of the people join the Albion alliance at:

http://albionalliance.org.uk/

Write to your MP and be the change!

Posted on 16 December 2009 16:55 by http://jerubbaalsvent.blogspot.com/

Well done again Douglas!!

Posted on 16 December 2009 17:08 by Robert Eve

As already commented, it's a shame we do not have more MPs willing to give us what we actually want.
Best Wishes.

Posted on 16 December 2009 17:14 by Lynn

Thank-you Sir for giving it your best shot and good luck, a principled man like you should become Ukips first MP

Posted on 16 December 2009 17:17 by glen wilson

McSnotty will be throwing another Nokia in the bunker when he sees that, liable to have a fit to the point where his glass eye pop's out.

Posted on 16 December 2009 18:02 by Paul Goddard

A referendum on membership of the EU is al very well, but it's not as important an issue as whether we have a democratic (i.e. proportional) voting system, because when this is achieved parliament will automatically reflect what the voters want, because if a majority of the voters vote for candidates who favour some measure X, then a majority of MPs will also favour X.

Posted on 16 December 2009 18:09 by Philip Hunt

1/1200 of your colleague Robert Goodwill's majority depends on this. It ain't much, but so far he hasn't got it.

Posted on 16 December 2009 19:10 by Peter

Well done Douglas; don't expect any publicity from the BBC! Evil flourishes when good men do nothing; at least someone has the guts to do something. Well done, we appreciate you.

Posted on 16 December 2009 19:20 by Iain

Good luck Douglas! Support you all the way.

Posted on 16 December 2009 19:26 by John

Thank you.

I too don't understand why you're not in UKIP.

Posted on 16 December 2009 19:55 by Simon

Thank you for introducing this bill. I really hope that it progresses through the House before the next election.

Posted on 16 December 2009 20:53 by Nick

Douglas, I'm glad that there are conviction politicians, like yourself, from other parties. At least that proves that we're not yet finished as a nation.
Count me in as supporting the "Douglas Carswell Party".

Posted on 16 December 2009 21:51 by Mike Spilligan

Well done Douglass and good luck. but I fell inclined to urge you to watch your back. I will be asking my MP why she does not back this bill. (She won't be)

Posted on 16 December 2009 22:47 by Joe Moran

Well done, Mr. Carswell.
I applaud your efforts to hold the main parties to account on this promise.
Please keep us informed as to the machinations of those who would do anything to prevent the British people having their say on this important matter. It should prove interesting reading.
I agree with RightWingGit, we need to see the names of those who support you in this...how about it?

Posted on 16 December 2009 22:55 by MrsBrixtonVentnor

Douglas, you've still not published my comment. I know I'm Labour, but come on!

Just noticed your last line btw:

"Surely the only reason to oppose such a referendum must be fear of the result?"

Erm, no? Constitutional convention perhaps?

Posted on 16 December 2009 23:06 by Tom Miller

Brilliant Douglas, just Brilliant!

I hope Mr Gove supports this as my MP.

Will we know who voted which way?
Then we can dismiss the Europhiles
and Scameron by voting UKIP

regards

Posted on 16 December 2009 23:19 by steve ish

Thank you Douglas. Keep trying.

For what it's worth, the official party u-turn on a referendum caused myself and at least three others I know to change their voting intentions at the forthcoming general election.

It's refreshing to see a principled politician.

Posted on 17 December 2009 00:09 by Rog

Well done! I hope it gets through.
Please may we have our parliament back?

Posted on 17 December 2009 07:55 by Mike Stallard

I don't suppose there's any chance of the BBC mentioning this, is there?

Posted on 17 December 2009 07:59 by Puddleglum

''If it is too late to have a vote on the Lisbon Treaty - and I think it is.''

Its never too late, Douglas. Alex Salmond is trying to get rid of the Treaty of Union after 300 years.

David Cameron squeeeked

'' You cant turn the clock back over the Lisbon Treaty, its too late now. its done.''

Of course you can turn the clock back, if the clock is telling the wrong time, you change it backwards or forwards to the correct time, without the slightest bit of hesitation.

If a man or a nation makes a mistake, you try and correct that mistake and when folk say '' its too late now, its done.'' That is a sign of cowardice, malice bordering on evil intent.

Posted on 17 December 2009 08:09 by Wilhelm

I think it's important, and should be fundamental, that the British people get this vote. However, we need to take a leaf out of the EU's book (also used by the SNP) and if the referendum results in a "Yes to stay in" then we have another referendum. We then must keep having them until we get our freedom back and leave. If the EU has taught us anything useful, it's that.

Posted on 17 December 2009 09:32 by Simon Green

@Dodgy Geezer. Good name btw.

I agree that clarity of what Yes and No actually mean is a good idea. Yes to stay in the EU, with dictatorship, lies, political correctness and being treated as second class citizens with no influence over our own lives. Or No to leave - for prosperity, independence, freedom, happiness and some influence in the world and what we are allowed to do ourselves.

Posted on 17 December 2009 09:40 by Simon Green

As others have said, thank you. Cameron must have noticed how disastrously the party have fared in the polls since he altered his stance on a referendum, the intelligent thing to do would be to back you to the hilt on this.

Posted on 17 December 2009 10:06 by John

You are a hero, nothing less. I don't know what it's going to cost you, in terms of climbing up the 'greasy pole' but you've given me some hope that this county's march to totalitarianism can be checked.

Posted on 17 December 2009 10:19 by Mark Blades

Might be better to frame the question as 'change relationship with the EU = Yes; keep things as they are = No' as it would allow the pro-independence side to lay claim to the positive-sounding option for once.

P.S. snow! Dang global warming.

Posted on 17 December 2009 10:25 by cornyborny

Bravo!

It is heartening to know some have not forgotten why Parliament exists. That it is not there as a means to line the pockets of the few at the expense of the many.

You have my support and I suspect that of 10's of millions of people in this country alone.

Posted on 17 December 2009 11:12 by an english voice

As you say it is only a worthwhile marker, but the same was true when you said Speaker Martin should go.

Posted on 17 December 2009 11:34 by Neil Craig

Well done sir!

How heartening to see a Conservative putting his country before his party.

It doesn't happen often sadly. Note the Boris Johnson climate change u turn as a recent example.

Posted on 17 December 2009 18:43 by Winston's Black Dog

It is abundantly clear now that if allowed such a vote on the EU, Britain would vote to leave. Whilst any form of democratic process like a referendum on Rome would be welcome, ultimately an In/Out vote remains the only clear option.

UKIP of course would offer such an option by way of a manifesto pledge to leave the EU, de facto, a UKIP government would have the public support to repeal the 1972 Act and say bye bye to the EU and hello Europe, the Commonwealth, the America's and the rest of the developing world.

Posted on 17 December 2009 19:56 by Robert Feal-Martinez

If only there were more MPs like you, Douglas.

Thank you.

Go let us know how it goes. Is the bill text available online somewhere?

Posted on 17 December 2009 22:58 by http://faustiesblog.blogspot.com

Britain's membership?...ahem, Mr Carswell, United Kingdom if you please.
Northern Ireland deserves its say too.

Posted on 17 December 2009 23:58 by iain

The Unknown truth about EU. A British Secret Service Agent wrote about EU, how it would develop, its nature and future propsects before the French founding fathers of Eu, Jean Monnet and Roberg Schuman -m were born in 1888 and 1886. Whateber he wrote about EU has been fulfilled. The Lisbon Treaty has paved the way for his prediction of the future ofEurope to come tompass. He warned Britain about Europe

Posted on 18 December 2009 00:05 by Francis Codjoe

Well done - you have my support. Of course the referendum would only happen if the government was confident that we would vote to stay in. This means that sadly its unlikely to happen.

Posted on 18 December 2009 14:09 by Greg

Got for it!!!

I'll ask my MP (the other Sir Alan) for support.

Posted on 18 December 2009 14:48 by Essex Girl

Thank you for everything you are doing, Mr Carswell. We should be very grateful for your courage, your insights and your principles. I hope you have a good holiday and come back refreshed to keep fighting the good fight.

Posted on 18 December 2009 15:54 by Shakassoc

Douglas well done.

Apparently you were written to on 7th December asking you to sign up to the Albion Alliance pledge to put country before party. http://wwww.albionalliance.org.uk Please do it for us.

Posted on 18 December 2009 16:16 by Sean O'Hare

Go for it Douglas! It's what we all want and the government should give the people what they want. Please please please keep up the pressure...

Posted on 18 December 2009 18:44 by Leo Jones

All voters with Conservative MPs should demand a clear answer as to whether they support, and vote for Douglas's bill. They should then say to the MP that, if not, they will actively campaign against them in the coming election.

Posted on 19 December 2009 16:39 by eddyh

I love you for this, thank you, Douglas!

As you rightly say, now that all three parties have broken their word and reneged on their election manifesto undertakings: only a vote on Rome will remedy the situation and at long and dear last give us people a say.

Posted on 19 December 2009 20:40 by Colleen Morrison

Good on yer Douglas, shame your party hasn't fallen into line yet. I live in hope but until then will be voting UKIP.

Posted on 20 December 2009 01:00 by Uri

There is a petition asking the PM to support this bill;

http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/supporteubill/

Already has 22 signatures

Posted on 30 December 2009 14:08 by Robert Edwards

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