§ Mr. Richard Shepherd (Aldridge-Brownhills)I have the honour to present to the House a petition signed by 56,286 people from across the west midlands and beyond. The petitioners wish the Government to ensure that the United Kingdom remains an independent sovereign state, with the economy run for the benefit of our own citizens, and the pound retained.
The petition has been gathered and signed by people supporting all the political parties and by those supporting none. It is a genuine expression from across the west midlands of deep concern for democracy, and for our control over the economy. It expresses a sense of country.
Among the hundreds who helped, I pay tribute to Mr. Antony Lenton, of Aldridge, and Mr. D. Bennett, of Walsall. The petition is addressed:
To the Honourable the Commons of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Parliament assembled,and states:The Humble Petition of the citizens of the United KingdomShewethThat we the people are being led into a Federal State which we do not wish to be part of. We wish to remain an independent Sovereign State with the economy run for the benefit of our own citizens. Wherefore your petitioners pray that your honourable house urge the Government to listen to public opinion and retain Britain's currency (The Pound).And your petitioners, as in duty bound will ever pray.
§ To lie upon the Table.