After months of speculation and debate the Bill which provides for the holding of a referendum on our membership of the EU finally cleared its last parliamentary hurdle last night as the House of Lords gave in on the issue of votes for 16 and 17 year olds. It will now receive Royal Assent and a referendum will be held before the end of 31st December 2017. With the polls suggesting public opinion on the issue is fairly evenly divided at the moment both sides will believe they can win.
Today, the debates have been chosen by the opposition and there will be debates on climate change and flooding followed by a debate on housing. I have a meeting of the Backbench Business Committee this afternoon and an interview with the House of Commons staff about the help with Parliamentary procedures they provide for Members.
David Nuttall 