Derek McDowell (Labour)

I am glad that the Acting Chairman is able to facilitate my contribution to this debate. I am an enthusiastic supporter of what has come to be known as the European project. I have always believed that the construction of a socially progressive, stable and peaceful Europe is nothing less than the single most important political project of our generation. We should state this frequently in simple, idealistic and positive terms because when we become bogged down in the details of referendum discussions we can lose sight of the bigger picture. All Members present in the Chamber were born after the Second World War. I am hazarding a guess in saying that, but the Leader will correct me if I am wrong.