There is no point in a referendum after the Treaty has become law. What would be the question? What would be the consequence? Those calling for a referendum cannot give credible answers to these questions.
David Cameron has swiftly proposed sensible realistic measures for which Conservatives will seek a mandate at the next general election.
First we will legislate to make sure that no transfer of further power to the EU can take place in future without a referendum. Never again should it be possible for a British government to hand over power to the EU without the British people's consent.
Second, we will introduce a United Kingdom Sovereignty Bill to make it clear that ultimate authority stays in this country, in our Parliament.
These measures can be brought in unilaterally by an incoming Conservative government without the need to seek approval from our European partners.
And third, we want to negotiate three specific guarantees with our European partners over powers that we believe should reside with Britain, not the EU. We will negotiate the return of Britain's opt-out from social and employment legislation in those areas which have proved most damaging to our economy and public services. We also want a complete opt-out from the Charter of Fundamental Rights. And we would negotiate for a return of powers in criminal justice to prevent EU judges gaining steadily greater control over our criminal justice system.
We will seek these changes for Britain during the next Parliament during negotiations over budget reform and accession negotiations for the next country to join the EU.
David Cameron said yesterday that if he becomes Prime Minister, the British Government will be an active member of the European Union. Like every other Member State, we will fight our corner to advance our national interests. But our guiding principles will be that Britain's interests are best served by a European Union that is an association of its member states - and we must never allow Britain to slide into a federal Europe.
