IWR in the news

21/01/08

Rebels demand a referendum on new EU Treaty

Alison Little, the Express

GORDON Brown was warned yesterday by rebel Labour MPs that he faces “war” over the EU treaty as the controversial measure starts its passage through Parliament today.

They said the Government could expect gathering pressure to put the document to a people’s referendum.

The Prime Minister was also accused of ducking out of any vote on the issue tonight because he’s still out of the country after visiting and

Shadow Foreign Secretary William Hague noted Mr Brown’s failure to attend the EU leaders’ official treaty signing ceremony in

He said: “Gordon Brown clearly knew when he decided to hold this vote on Monday night that he would be away at the time.

“It could just as easily have been held last week or later this week. So the Prime Minister who was prepared to sign the EU Treaty but not in front of the cameras is now the Prime Minister who wants to ram the treaty through Parliament but not vote for it himself.

“Across people are doubting that Gordon Brown has either courage or conviction, but it now seems he does not have much of either.”

Rebel Labour MPs have tabled a motion for today’s debate, underlining their demand for a referendum.

However it is unlikely to be voted on today and the major votes on the issue will take place later as the Bill makes its controversial way through Parliament.

MP Ian Davidson said that while currently only 18 Labour members were backing his amendment – not enough to defeat the Government – he expected support to increase.