Now the election’s out of the way, the European Union Referendum has become the big issue.

Boris Johnson has said that if David Cameron (our Witney MP) fails to secure the EU reforms he desires then Britain should be unafraid to leave the Union.

That, on the face of it, is encouraging comment, but who is to decide what reforms are to be demanded?

Not the Prime Minister, nor the Conservatives, in my opinion.

With less than 25 per cent of the electorate voting for the governing party, what mandate does the party, or Cameron, have to negotiate the powers given or removed to/from our non-accountable rulers (Brussels).

Make no mistake about it there would never be another referendum on the issue (unless of course he lost), so it has to be the people who decide the reforms they want.

Besides, the powers that Brussels is to have over us is a constitutional issue (Bill of Rights), and in the words of the celebrated 18th century political philosopher, Thomas Paine, “Government has no right to make itself a party in any debate respecting the principles or modes of forming, or of changing, constitutions”.

In order to sound out the people properly on this vital issue, the Government should set up people’s forums, say in each constituency, where non political delegates come together to decide on the reforms.

This can be repeated at higher levels and the end result put to Brussels.

DAVID BARNBY
New Yatt Road
Witney