The British people and the rest of the EU are “crying out” for a debate on the UK’s future in Europe which “rises above the internal divisions of the Conservative Party”, the former first minister of Scotland Alex Salmond has said.
SNP MP Mr Salmond (Gordon) mocked Tory Cabinet splits over Europe asking what does that “fractious disunity” do to the credibility of this Government’s foreign policy in Europe and beyond.
Europe Minister David Lidington sought to play down tensions, arguing that the question of Britain’s membership of the EU was one where it was “possible for people of both right and left to come to opposite points of view”.
Speaking during Commons FCO questions, Mr Salmond said: “Last week, the Prime Minister described European discussions as abrasive and difficult.
“He wasn’t talking about other European countries, he wasn’t even talking about debate across the floor of the House, he wasn’t even talking about debate within the Conservative Party, he was taking about discussions within his own Cabinet.
“Now what does that fractious disunity do to the credibility of this Government’s foreign policy in Europe and beyond?”
Mr Lidington replied: “I think that our counterparts around Europe who are all robust democracies recognise that the question of this country’s membership of the EU is one that has divided politicians of all parties, for very many years and which it is possible for people of both right and left to come to opposite points of view.
“And I think that what the Prime Minister has agreed which is a firm Government position to support our continued membership of the EU but with licence for those ministers who dissent, to express their dissent in a private capacity is a fair outcome.”
Mr Salmond added: “Doesn’t the minister feel that these robust democracies in Europe and beyond, not to say the people of this country are actually crying out for a debate on our future in Europe which rises above the internal divisions of the Conservative Party?”
Mr Lidington responded: “That is precisely what the Government is leading at the moment and I think at the end of this week when the Electoral Commission designates the two campaign organisations for Remain and for Leave we will indeed see that debate continue and I hope that he, his party will also wish to play a constructive part in that debate.”