Labour MP for Leicester East and former Europe Minister, Keith Vaz is calling for a referendum on the new EU treaty. In a letter to the Sun, Mr Vaz writes:
"I believe the time has come for the government to hold a referendum and decide once and for all Britain's place is at the heart of Europe."
Agreed
"The British people should have a chance to vote in a referendum on the treaty which will enable us to continue our engagement with Europe."
Agreed
"And I am absolutely convinced that we will win any test of public opinion as to whether or not the British people want us in Europe, at the heart of Europe, which is what's happened over the last 10 years, or whether they want us to turn our back on Europe."
Dream on Keith! Not a chance. And that is why Gordon Brown will do everything he can to avoid a referendum.
Keith confirmed his weak grip on reality by adding: "He's (Gordon Brown) been a terrific prime minister since he took over, he will make that judgement, but I think that we shouldn't leave it to the eurosceptics to constantly make the arguments."
Blind loyalty - isn't it great.
Ian Davidson, a Labour MP spearheading a campaign for a referendum, believes he could gain the support of up to 120 Labour MPs to add to calls from the Tories, UKIP and the GMB and RMT unions. You can also add to this a growing number of LibDems.
6 comments:
It's trickier than it looks. If you think MPs, socialist or conservative can be trusted, then think again. These people have a very different agenda from you and me. The EU offers deep, and lucious troughs to the elite ruling political classes, which will make them in the main, vote yes for the EU.
For their own reasons they could possibly support a referendum, but just wait until you see the question asked of the electorate on referendum day. The State is not your friend.
I heard on BBC radio news, at about 17:30, that Mr Vaz had said there is no need for a referendum as the question can be settled once and for all by a general election. It may be a coincidence that one of the broadsheet headlines described Grooovey Dave as 'staring defeat in the face'.
Mr Gruff,
Yes there are a lot of rumours flying about. Iain Dale is wondering about an early election, possibly October. I've quoted you on his blog - hope you don't mind.
Anon,
Yes I know about trust. That's why I want a change of government. I would like to see a conservative government with a small majority. Sounds daft coming from a Tory I know, but having just gained power, and with a small majority, a conservative government would be more answerable to the people than labour are now.
I don't mind at all; I'm delighted with the publicity.
Many thanks.
The savages at the RMT want a referendum for very different reasons from UKIP et al
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