During the General Election campaign I spoke with many people on the doorstep concerned about our relationship with Europe.
During the campaign the Conservative Party were the only political party to not only promise the British people their say on Europe but be able, with the support of the British people, to deliver the referendum so many were demanding.
We have kept that promise.
Last week the Government’s Referendum Bill received overwhelming and widespread support in Westminster and we can all now have a say over something that has dominated the agenda for so long. Despite my party having been absolutely clear in its position on EU membership it was, of course, a little strange to see the Labour MPs trooping through the Government lobby to support the Bill given their opposition to it just a few short weeks ago.
I have always believed that we should let Britain decide through an in-out referendum. The EU needs to change and it is time for the British people, not politicians, to have their say. That is why, as the Prime Minister made clear in the Conservative Manifesto, this Bill is so important and why the Government is currently legislating for an in-out referendum to be held on Britain's membership of the EU before the end of 2017.
However, before this takes place, we need to attempt to negotiate a new settlement that focuses on what matters to the people of Britain and Europe. This includes competitiveness; flexibility and fairness for all member states, whether inside the Eurozone or out of it; more respect for national democracies and, crucially, recognition that powers should be able to flow back to member states, not just away from them.
When the referendum comes, provided the Government can negotiate a settlement that is good for Britain, then I would support our staying in as I believe that Britain's national interest is best served in a reformed, flexible, adaptable and open EU. Only last week I met with local businesses who told me that their oversees partners had delayed further investment in our country in recent months due to the uncertainty over the election result. They were now ready to invest but fearful of the uncertainty over the issue of our EU membership. That is why I believe that the referendum should be held the moment the Prime Minister’s negotiations have concluded. We need to prevent any additional uncertainty.
I am proud that the Government is sticking up for Britain's interests at home and abroad and welcome this opportunity for the people to decide on our country's future.