Clause 5 - Referendums: frequency
Regional Assemblies (Preparations) Bill
11:00 am
Mr Philip Hammond (Runnymede and Weybridge, Conservative)
That would be a waste of everyone's time, but that is not what is being suggested. If the Government believe in elected regional assemblies but accept that there may be a
variable appetite for them across the country, they should have the courage of their convictions: they should hold a referendum across England on a single day, so that each region gives its verdict on the Government's proposition on the same day. That would have several practical attractions, and one practical drawback, which the Minister will probably tell us about. One of the attractions would be that if there were a nationwide campaign and referendum day, it would be much easier for people on both sides of the argument to mobilise public opinion and interest. There is a practical issue to be addressed. The Government have got themselves into a difficult position over local government reorganisation in the context of elected regional assemblies, and the boundary committee has its work cut out in putting before the electorate detailed information about the proposed local government boundary changes in each region before any referendums take place.