Paul Rowen MP on walking out of the Commons

12.00.00am GMT Thu 28th Feb 2008

Rochdale MP Paul Rowen has commented on the astonishing scenes in Parliament where the Lib Dems walked out in support of their colleague, Foreign Affair's Spokesman Ed Davey MP. Mr Davey was ordered out amid chaotic scenes at the House of Commons. Almost a full slate of Lib Dem MPs including Mr Rowen then followed Mr Davey out of the chamber. This was in protest at the Deputy Speaker's refusal to debate the party proposal for an 'EU - in or out' referendum.

Paul Rowen said:, "I am hugely disappointed at the Speakers failure to allow the House of Commons to have a vote on a referendum on staying in/ coming out of Europe. If Parliamentary Democracy means anything then the wishes of one quarter of the electorate, who we as Liberal Democrats represent should be respected. This is yet another recognition that the 'yaboo' two party cosy way of doing things is alive and well and backed by the Speaker.

"This is something that has been discussed for decades and the fact remains that everyone under the age of 50 has not previously had a chance to have their say in the ballot box of our membership of the EU. We are very disappointed and I fully understand Ed's fury at this injustice."

Lib Dem Leader Nick Clegg MP said on his web site: "To deny Parliament the chance to vote on our proposal to allow the public to have a real say on Britain's membership of the European Union is an outrage. Both Labour and the Conservatives have colluded to keep this entire debate focused away from the fundamental issue of whether we want to be in or out of Europe. It's time for the Westminster establishment to stop being so cowardly over Europe and have an open debate with the country. I will be proud to lead the Liberal Democrats in arguing the case for our membership of the EU."