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European Union (Amendment) Bill

Of course I will give way to the right hon. Gentleman, in a few moments. Today in our country, the word of Government is less readily believed than at any time in our modern history. Ministers, instead of tackling the apathy and cynicism that that brings, will only add to it with the weasel words with which they try to escape their referendum commitment. Talking of escaping a referendum commitment, in The Guardian of October 2003 I came across an article with the headlines ““We need an EU referendum”” and ““Nothing will damage the pro-European movement more than appearing to have something to hide””. It was written by a certain N. Clegg, who went on to become the hon. Member for Sheffield, Hallam (Mr. Clegg) and is now the leader of the Liberal Democrats. [Hon. Members: ““Where is he?””] We know that he is not on the plane with the Prime Minister, but for all the difference that he makes to the debate, he might as well be. His article said:"““The real reason, of course, why the government does not want to hold a referendum is the fear that it may lose.””" His analysis was right, and it is a pity that the Liberal Democrats do not stand by that analysis today.