The referendum lock was a guarantee that all future transfers of power to the European Union would be subject to a direct democratic vote by the people. This was the 'promise'. So it was bound to be broken.
A referendum will be held for major transfers of power following ministerial consent. If they decide they do not wish to give a referendum, they must give a reason why. And we sceptics should be satisfied as this could be subject to judicial review.
Sweeping this impotent symbol aside, I ask why the mindset is one way: transfer to Europe, never transfer from... The regulatory capture of thsi government was swift; so fast that Euroscepticism died before it coudl be spelt out loud.
The tally of the Cameroons is growing and they will face a time when they must tack towards liberalism if they wish to survive. Then Europe will prove a card that they have squandered. As Cameron will touch third rails for the sake of power, perhaps he may grant us a referendum on membership. That would be one Lib Dem promise they could keep.