Principle Of Referenda

EDM number 242 in 1994-95, proposed by Frank Cook on 12/12/1994.

That this House notes the broad support across political parties for the basic principle that no changes in constitutional and governmental arrangements should be implemented without the support of the majority of the people directly affected as expressed through a referendum; notes the implications of this principle for future developments in the European Union, including the 1996 Inter-Governmental Conference, the proposed adoption of a single European currency, and for continuing negotiations, on the future government of Northern Ireland; expresses the belief that this principle should be followed in all forms of substantial governmental change, whether at international, national or local government level; and calls upon the Government to indicate its commitment to this principle by ensuring that any changes as a result of the current Local Government Review should only be implemented if they have the support of the majority of local people as expressed through a bona-fide local referendum.

This motion has been signed by a total of 5 MPs.