Davey backs Europe referendum call after promotion to Foreign Affairs

8.36.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 21st Dec 2007

Kingston and Surbiton's MP, Edward Davey, has been promoted by the Liberal Democrats' new Leader, Nick Clegg, to be the party's spokesman on Foreign Affairs. Edward Davey will be shadowing the Foreign Secretary, David Milliband, and jousting with his Conservative opposite number, William Hague.

In his first meeting with Kingston & Surbiton Liberal Democrats after hearing the news, he spoke of his desire to see Britain's reputation abroad restored after the "stains from Iraq" and backed his party's call for a referendum on Britain's membership of the European Union. Commenting Edward Davey MP said:

"I'm obviously delighted, if slightly awestruck by this new responsibility.

"Many problems in Britain have a major international dimension - whether it's climate change, economic policy or the fight against crime and terrorism. Britain's voice in these debates has never been more needed, yet in recent years our international reputation has been seriously dented.

"Foreign policy has seen so many failures under Labour, it will be difficult to know where to start. From the more infamous mistakes like the illegal Iraq war to less publicised errors such as committing Britain to President Bush's "son of star wars", there is a lot of repair work to do. The stains from Iraq have particularly undermined our influence so we must work hard to re-engage with allies we have distanced.

"The debate over Europe will be centre-stage in the next few months, and I shall be arguing vociferously for a referendum on Britain's membership of the European Union.

"I've long been astonished how successive Labour and Conservative Governments have failed to address genuine public concerns over Europe, especially when John Major signed the Maastricht Treaty. It's time we had the real debate over Europe and allowed the people a vote. I deeply regret that our recent Commons motion for a referendum was voted down by Labour and Conservative MPs, but I'm determined we should return to this issue."