On February 6, I was one of the MPs to sponsor a ten minute rule bill calling for a referendum in the next parliament, on the question of whether the UK should remain a member of the European Union.

Having been a signatory to the “Fresh Start” Early Day Motion during the passage of the Maastricht Treaty, the invitation to join with my colleague was entirely consistent with my stance over twenty years in the House of Commons.

This bill would provide for the process of what is known as “enabling” – in other words, creating the mechanism by which a referendum can take place. Similar legislation has already been prepared so that there can be a referendum in Scotland, on independence.

So it is not unknown. The question to be put in the referendum in Scotland was not decided until after the mechanism was set into place.

Of course the Prime Minister has said that there will be a referendum on our membership of the European Union, after the general election in 2015.

I welcome that and so do a great many of my constituents. The view has often been expressed that Britain joined what was then the European Economic Community because of the trading links.

It was when later moves took place towards political and monetary union that there were increasing misgivings about the ‘European project’.

In giving my support to this ten minute rule bill, presented by John Baron, the MP for Basildon & Billericay, I wanted to back the proposal that a referendum can go ahead after the general election – so that the electorate will know that this is going to take place.

It would restore trust because there have been many occasions when a referendum has been promised, but it has not materialised.

Incidentally, there were so many MPs who agreed with John Baron’s bill that he had to draw lots for those whose names would appear as sponsors. I was lucky in the draw and am very pleased to be able to support in this way.

Any ten minute rule bill faces an uncertain future because it has to compete for parliamentary time, which is limited. But this is one bill I hope that will avoid the obstacles and manage to pass through all the necessary stages to become law.

It will mean that we would have a referendum and people will be able to express their views irrespective of the outcome of the general election in 2015.