Liam Fox was right on one thing: the British people should be the final arbiters.

In what was a very timely speech, Dr Fox laid out his version of how the UK Government should proceed in its dealings with Europe. He said:

“I would like to see Britain negotiate a new relationship with the EU based on economic rather than political considerations and set out in clear and unambiguous language. If we succeed a referendum should be held and formal acceptance advocated. If, on the other hand, this approach is rejected outright or falls short of necessary “red lines”, then we would have no alternative but to recommend rejection and consider departure from the EU.”

Despite his desire to look for a negotiation rather than an immediate referendum, the former Deference Secretary made a valuable point:

“It is the British public who must be the final arbiters and their voice has been ignored for too long. Politicians of all parties must show that they are able and willing to put the National interest ahead of narrow electoral interests.”

This is an important point: the British people’s interests have not been effectively represented by many UK politicians in the EU and these politicians must put aside party politics and allow the British public’s voice to be heard.

Indeed, Dr Fox went onto say:

“Not only were they sold a pup but they were intentionally sold a pup.”

This pup has grown into a beast.

This Beast of Brussels is something that has been allowed to slowly grow in time; one that no one in Britain under the age of 55 has had a direct say over; that gives the UK under 10% of the total elected representatives, distributed across political party lines; and one that has turned into something that – far from nurturing – hampers growth, stifles democracy and suffocates society in the interests of a political class and not of the British public.

In an article written for The Commentator website, I argue the case for a British referendum now. I said that a referendum as soon as possible could free the UK from cumbersome EU legislation, cut burdensome business regulations, liberate individuals from EU intrusion, and strengthen the UK’s economic position.

It would, for sure, also strengthen the UK’s democratic position.

Although I disagree with Dr Fox regarding negotiation, we are united on a valuable point: it is for the British people to decide.