Forum Topic

In Or Out of Europe Referendum Campaign

I have just learnt that our Conservative MP, Angie Bray, voted against a referendum which would allow all UK citizens to decide whether we should stay in the EU or leave it.If you care enough about this issue, please contact Angie Bray and tell her that she will not receive your vote in the next local/general elections unless she makes a formal and public pledge to vote FOR a referendum at the next opportunity.Mike Fox.

Mike Fox ● 5663d14 Comments

Well, of course she did. It was a hopeless amendment in the first place that the government didn't want. A first term MP isn't going to rock the boat and draw unwelcome attention by voting against the government for no good reason

Roy Gillett ● 5663d

Sounds to me like Angie Bray is a sensible woman.We have already had a referendum on this issue - and those wishing to ensure our country's future prosperity won a resounding victory (by a margin of better than 2:1).May I take this opportunity to say that the late Sir Edward Heath was the most underrated Prime Minister of modern times.Not only did he successfully negotiate our membership of Europe, he also ensured the safe passage of entry into Britain of the Ugandan Asian refugees, and - the icing on the cake - destroyed the career of the odious Enoch Powell.We have a lot of things to thank the late Sir Ted for, and our entry into Europe is only one of them.

Robin Taylor ● 5663d

Jolly sensible.And a good constituency MP.Don't want a referendum on this anyhow - have had one.Pointless.

Sara Nathan ● 5663d

I don't want another referendum either, Sara, but, to be fair, no one younger than me and thee got to vote in it.

Susan Kelly ● 5663d

I suppose that's true but what with AV referendum, the census, local CPZ AND planning, I feel over-consulted to a degree.And withdrawal just isn't practical so it seems futile.

Sara Nathan ● 5663d

"I feel over-consulted to a degree."That's why we elect MPs - so they can make sensible and coherent decisions for us on a range of issues. Not one of our 650 members of parliament represents a party that wishes us to pull out of Europe.That tells you something, doesn't it?If people really wanted out they would vote UKIP, BNP, NF, communist or for some other extremist little Englander grouping that wishes to send our economy over a precipice by enacting such a reckless policy.I was one of those who was not old enough to vote in the 1975 referendum, but thankfully my elders made the correct decision on my behalf.

Robin Taylor ● 5663d

If the average age in the UK is 39, as I heard recently, then well under half the present population voted in the 1975 referendum. Maybe as little as 30%.

Susan Kelly ● 5663d

Okay, well let's have a referendum on whether or not people would like more money to be spent on public services.I can guess the answer now: Yes.Then let's have another referendum on whether or not people would like less money to be raised from taxes.I can guess the answer to that one too: Yes.See the problem with referenda, now? It doesn't make for coherent government. That's why we elect MPs.

Robin Taylor ● 5663d

I agree with you, Robin. I've already said that I don't want a referendum on Europe. There are plenty of valid arguments against it but I don't think the fact that we had one 36 years ago is one of them.

Susan Kelly ● 5662d

It amazes me, the overweaning arrogance of those who say "I don't want a referendum" when a majority in this country so obviously do. If you don't want a referendum, then simply don't vote in it. But that wouldn't do at all, would it. Because there is good cause to believe that the vote would be carried by an electorate who want to exercise their democratic right to be consulted, per capita, on any change to their sovereignty. In other words, you don't want a referendum because you suspect you would lose. What true democrats you must be. But we have been given heart by the latest figures, that staying in the EU costs us £77,000,000,000! per year. That's almost £1.5 billion per week! For what?

Mike Fox ● 5649d

"In other words, you don't want a referendum because you suspect you would lose."No, I don't want a referendum because it would be a waste of money.As to the cost of us remaining in the EU, the cost of us pulling out would be a lot greater.Do you seriously think we can afford to lose millions of jobs? What planet are you on?Why do you think the CBI want us to remain in the EU? You would think they would know something about the economic consequences of us pulling out, wouldn't you?It's because their members are more concerned that UK PLC should be profitable than they are with the ridiculous fantasies of those who have a phobia about anything foreign.

Robin Taylor ● 5648d

There is better cause to believe that the vote would be carried by the can't be a***d to vote tendency, just as it was in Wales a couple of months ago.

Roy Gillett ● 5648d

And like the AV vote next month?

Sara Nathan ● 5648d

Regrettably, yes.I do propose to vote, and I do hope the national vote agrees with me, but I have a queasy feeling the turnout will be low. Probably under 50%, especially in London, where there's no local council race to encourage the voters to get out

Roy Gillett ● 5648d