Regarding the English language problem, I think you don’t have very clear the cultural situation in southern Europe (I’m Italian BTW). Aside from France (which shows a stubborn and proud ignorance of the language, although a lot is changing), you should remember other countries like Greece, Spain and Italy (I would even include Germany) AND all the newly included eastern Europe countries.

Now I won’t judge all the other countries I mentioned, but regarding my own I can tell you that our politicians are able to speak in such an embarrassing way to make you want to pay yourself for an interpreter! Although I hope it’s not the same for our neighbors I can assume a similar situation. Obliging those people to speak in a language they often don’t even know would probably save all the paycheck for the interpreters but block all the parliament activities. And you tell me what’s more expensive.

I totally agree in principle with you, there should be one and only one language spoken in the parliament, but that’s something you can’t achieve in a short term and shouldn’t be the only reason to vote against a referendum.

I hope I made my point clear.