Latest News
- Monday 10 March 2008
-
Referendum vote update (Conservatives)
As we had recorded, Ken Clarke, John Gummer and David Curry all voted with the government against a referendum. Ian Taylor MP abstained.
However, having made anti-referendum statements in letters to constituents, John Bercow MP wisely thought better of it on the day and voted with his party in favour of a public vote.
Consequently we have switched his stance to being in FAVOUR of a referendum.
Apart from the anti-referendum Ian Taylor only one other Conservative MP did not vote - John Maples.
Associated MPs: John Bercow
-
Referendum vote update (Labour)
Of the 29 Labour MPs we had recorded as supporting a treaty referendum, six did not deliver when it came to the vote in Parliament.
Three (Michael Clapham, John Cruddas and Ian Gibson) actually voted against a referendum, and three (Diane Abbott, Ann Cryer and Patrick Hall) did not vote at all.
Diane Abbott admitted on BBC1's 'This Week' programme on Thursday 6 March that she had deliberately abstained, for narrow party political reasons.
John Cruddas and Ian Gibson voted directly contrary to statements in support of a referendum they had made in letters to their constituents.
Consequently we have switched John Cruddas, Ian Gibson, Michael Clapham and Diane Abbott to being AGAINST a referendum, as they are apparently not willing to act on their pro-referendum words when it comes to all-important votes in Parliament.
However, six other Labour MPs who we were not aware supported a referendum voted in favour of one in Parliament.
We have consequently switched Colin Burgon, David Marshall, Anne Moffat, George Mudie, Dennis Skinner and Mike Wood to being in FAVOUR of a referendum.
Associated MPs: Diane Abbott, Colin Burgon, Michael Clapham, Jon Cruddas, Ann Cryer, Ian Gibson, Patrick Hall, David Marshall, Anne Moffat, George Mudie, Dennis Skinner & Mike Wood
-
Referendum vote update (Liberal Democrat)
Of the 10 Liberal Democrat MPs we had recorded as supporting a treaty referendum, two did not deliver. But an additional seven did support referendum in the vote in Parliament.
Despite making statements in support of a treaty referendum in letters to their constituents, Colin Breed MP and Nick Harvey MP did not vote in favour of one when they had the opportunity.
Colin Breed deliberately abstained, as he voted in favour of the Treaty Clause that was being considered on the same day.
Consequently we have switched Colin Breed to being AGAINST a referendum.
The seven additional Liberal Democrat MPs who did vote in favour of a referendum were Annette Brooke (shadow Children, Schools & Families minister), Alistair Carmichael (shadow Scottish & Northern Ireland secretary), Andrew George, Paul Holmes, John Leech (Transport spokesperson), Greg Mulholland (Health spokesperson) and Mark Williams (Wales spokesperson).
Associated MPs: Colin Breed, Annette Brooke, Alistair Carmichael, Andrew George, Paul Holmes, John Leech, Greg Mulholland & Mark Williams
- Friday 07 March 2008
-
George Galloway MP supports a referendum
In the vote in Parliament on Wednesday, George Galloway MP voted in support of a referendum on the EU Constitution Treaty.
Associated MPs: George Galloway
- Thursday 06 March 2008
-
Referendum vote result
A majority of MPs voted yesterday against a referendum on the re-named EU Constitution Treaty, despite having promised one at the last election.
A Conservative amendment for a referendum was defeated by a majority of 63 votes - 311 votes to 248.
A second referendum amendment, put down by rebel Labour MPs, was defeated by a majority of 64 votes.
The bulk of the Conservatives were supported by 29 Labour MPs, 15 Liberal Democrats, the Scottish and Welsh nationalist parties and some independents. But this was not enough to overcome the Government's majority.
We will be amending our records over the next few days to reflect how MPs voted on the referendum amendments.
- Tuesday 04 March 2008
-
Martin Horwood MP confirms his support for a Treaty referendum
Liberal Democrat MP Martin Horwood has become the latest Lib Dem MP - and seventh Lib Dem front-bencher - to confirm that he will support a referendum on the re-named EU Constitution Treaty.
In a response to constituents raising the referendum issue with him, Mr Horwood says:
"As you may also be aware from the media, there is another amendment supported by the Conservatives to introduce a referendum just on the treaty itself, rather than on membership of the European Union. As I understand it, this would only apply before ratification so if it fails during the passage of the bill through Parliament and the treaty is ratified, it would leave you without a vote.
"I am nevertheless inclined to support this referendum amendment too, in the spirit of our manifesto promise for a vote on the ratification of the earlier Constitution."
As a spokesman in Nick Clegg's shadow Environment, Energy, Food and Rural Affairs team, Mr Horwood becomes the seventh Lib Dem front-bencher to confirm he will rebel.
Were Nick Clegg to follow through on his threat to sack all such rebels, he would now lose his shadow Defence secretary, Justice secretary, half his shadow DEFRA and Treasury ministerial teams and a shadow Health spokesperson.
Such a threat is no longer credible.
Associated MPs: Martin Horwood
- Monday 03 March 2008
-
Sandra Gidley MP "will not use semantics to wriggle out of a promise"
Liberal Democrat MP and shadow health minister Sandra Gidley has finally confirmed that she will vote to support a referendum on the EU Constitution / Lisbon Treaty.
In a letter to a constituent, she said:
"After much thought and consideration I have not been persuaded that the overall effect of the treaty is sufficiently different to the EU Constitution which was proposed prior to the last election. I am mindful of the promise I made at the last election which was to support a referendum on the Constitution. I will not use semantics to wriggle out of a promise so, unless something unforseen happens, I intend to support the call for a referendum."
If Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg doesn't at least allow his MPs a free vote on a Treaty referendum, he faces the unappealing choice of either seeing his leadership considerably weakened as many of his MPs defy him, or having to sack numerous key members of his shadow ministerial team.
As well as Ms Gidley, this would include his shadow Defence secretary, Justice secretary, Countryside minister and half of his shadow Treasury ministerial team.
It seems astonishing that Nick Clegg appears willing to allow his support for the Government's shameful backtracking on a clear manifesto pledge to tear his own leadership and party unity apart.
Associated MPs: Sandra Gidley
- Friday 29 February 2008
-
John Pugh MP calls for EU treaty referendum
John Pugh MP - a shadow Treasury minister - is the latest Liberal Democrat to confirm that he will support a referendum on the re-named EU Constitution Treaty, as he promised at the last election.
Mr Pugh has told his local newspaper - the Southport Visiter - that it is his "instinct" to back the referendum bid over the Lisbon Treaty that is due to be launched in Parliament next week.
He said: "I think there is currently a danger of Europe seeming to be run by a political elite, with the public across Europe feeling disempowered and alienated."
Associated MPs: John Pugh
- Friday 22 February 2008
-
Paul Truswell MP says he will support a referendum
Labour MP Paul Truswell has confirmed that he will vote in Parliament for a national referendum on the EU Constitution treaty - according to an article in the Yorkshire Post.
Mr Truswell's constituency of Pudsey is one of ten across the country where the I Want A Referendum campaign is asking voters whether they back a nationwide poll.
Associated MPs: Paul Truswell
- Monday 11 February 2008
-
David Heath MP confirms he will vote for a referendum
Liberal Democrat MP David Heath - his party's front-bench spokesman on Justice - has confirmed that he will support a referendum on the EU treaty.
In a news item on his website, Mr Heath said "A vote on the narrower issue of the Lisbon Treaty would be very much second best, but I intend to vote for it, as I promised, and I have warned my whips I will do so."
Mr Heath's constituency of Somerton & Frome is one of ten across the country where the I Want A Referendum campaign is asking voters whether they back a nationwide poll.
David Heath MP - offficial website
Associated MPs: David Heath
- Tuesday 05 February 2008
-
Dai Davies MP supports a referendum
Independent MP Dai Davies has confirmed that he supports a referendum on the EU (Constitution) Treaty.
In an e-mail, Mr Davies said: "... at this moment in time I would vote for the people to have their say."
Associated MPs: Dai Davies
- Monday 28 January 2008
-
Two more Labour MPs standing by referendum pledge
Two further Labour MPs - Jon Cruddas (Dagenham) and John Cummings (Easington) - are standing by their election promises to support a referendum on the EU Constitution treaty.
In letters to constituents, John Cummings said: "I remain convinced that there should be a referendum" and Jon Cruddas said: "On balance I think it [the Lisbon Treaty] is significant enough to warrant a referendum."
Associated MPs: Jon Cruddas & John Cummings
- Thursday 24 January 2008
-
Nick Harvey MP confirms continued support for an EU treaty referendum
Liberal Democrat MP Nick Harvey has confirmed that he still supports a referendum on the re-named EU Constitution treaty.
In a letter to a constituent, he said: "The similarities between the Reform Treaty and the proposed EU constitution clearly outweigh the differences. Yes I do personally support a referendum."
Associated MPs: Nick Harvey
- Tuesday 22 January 2008
-
Two further Labour MPs speak in favour of a referendum in EU Treaty debate
Two further Labour MPs have confirmed that they support an EU treaty referendum, during the debate in Parliament yesterday on the Second Reading of the treaty Bill.
Frank Cook MP (Stockton North) said: "We have already used referendums, as I have shown, so why do we not just agree to have one ... I therefore appeal to my Front Benchers: for heaven's sake, reconsider having a referendum."
Roger Godsiff MP (Birmingham, Sparkbrook & Small Heath) said: "What I believe is very wrong is to deny the British people an opportunity to have their say. They were promised a referendum by all the major political parties at the last election and I regret to say that, without a commitment to that from those on the Front Bench tonight, I will not be able to support the Bill."
Four further Labour MPs voted against the treaty Bill, but it's not yet clear whether they will support a referendum amendment at a later stage.
EU (Amendment) Bill - 2nd Reading debate, 21 January 2008
Associated MPs: Frank Cook & Roger Godsiff
- Monday 21 January 2008
-
Referendum amendment confirms that seven more MPs support a public vote
The list of signatories to a referendum amendment put down by Labour MP Ian Davidson at the Second Reading of the EU treaty Bill today has confirmed that seven further MPs support a public vote.
In addition to Plaid Cymru's three MPs (Hywel Williams, Adam Price & Elfyn Llwyd) - three further Labour MPs (Michael Clapham, Mark Fisher & Lynne Jones) also confirmed their continued support for the promised referendum.
Independent MP Richard Taylor also signed.
Referendum Amendment, tabled by Ian Davidson MP (Lab)
Associated MPs: Michael Clapham, Mark Fisher, Lynne Jones, Elfyn Llwyd, Adam Price, Richard Taylor & Hywel Williams
- Wednesday 09 January 2008
-
Tim Farron MP stands by Constitution referendum promise
Liberal Democrat MP Tim Farron has confirmed that he still supports a referendum on the treaty reviving the EU Constitution.
In a letter to a constituent, he wrote: "As it happens I do believe that the Government should be held to account for its failure to uphold the manifesto pledge and I will vote for a referendum, if the motion can be put to the House."
Associated MPs: Tim Farron
- Monday 07 January 2008
-
Robert Wareing MP supports a referendum
The Labour MP for the Liverpool West Derby constituency, Robert Wareing, has confirmed that he will stand by his election promise of a referendum on the EU Constitution Treaty.
In an e-mail to a constituent, he said: "I am of the same opinion as yourself and Frank Field, that there is very little difference between the treaty and the proposed constitution, as there was a commitment to a referendum in the Labour Manifesto in the last Election. I believe that commitment should be fulfilled."
Associated MPs: Robert Wareing
- Tuesday 11 December 2007
-
Patrick Hall MP will honour his election promise of a referendum
Labour MP Patrick Hall has confirmed that he still supports a referendum on the revised EU Constitution Treaty.
In a letter to a constituent, he said "Although I did not agree with it [the manifesto commitment of a referendum], it is fact that it formed part of the programme upon which I stood. Therefore I feel that I should honour that promise, as a matter of trust.
He continued: "It follows then that a referendum on the reform treaty should be held at some point after parliament has debated the issue."
This brings the number of Labour MPs who have, so far, confirmed that they intend to honour their promises of a referendum on the EU Constitution treaty to a total of 20.
Associated MPs: Patrick Hall
- Monday 10 December 2007
-
Colin Breed MP supports a referendum
Liberal Democrat MP Colin Breed has confirmed in a letter to a constituent that he supports a referendum on the revised EU Constitution Treaty.
Associated MPs: Colin Breed
- Thursday 15 November 2007
-
Alan Simpson MP backs a referendum
Labour MP Alan Simpson has confirmed that he has "always supported the idea of a referendum".
Associated MPs: Alan Simpson
- Tuesday 06 November 2007
-
Denis Murphy MP supports a referendum
Labour MP Denis Murphy has confirmed that he still supports a referendum on the revised EU Constitution treaty and "would consider voting for one at the appropriate time".
Associated MPs: Denis Murphy
- Tuesday 30 October 2007
-
David Taylor MP supports a referendum
Labour MP David Taylor has confirmed that he supports a referendum on the EU treaty.
Associated MPs: David Taylor
- Friday 26 October 2007
-
SNP declare support for a referendum
The SNP Conference has voted to continue supporting a referendum on the EU 'Reform Treaty'.
"In the absence of provision for a referendum in the UK ratification bill for the EU Reform Treaty Westminister SNP MPs will support an amendment to give the people their say."
Associated MPs: Stewart Hosie, Angus MacNeil, Angus Robertson, Alex Salmond, Michael Weir & Pete Wishart
-
Lady Sylvia Hermon MP supports a referendum
Ulster Unionist MP Lady Sylvia Hermon is in favour of a referendum, according to an e-mail from her Parliamentary Assistant.
Associated MPs: Lady Hermon
- Thursday 25 October 2007
-
Richard Younger-Ross MP supports a referendum
Liberal Democrat MP Richard Younger-Ross, a member of Parliament's independent European Scrutiny Committee, has called for a referendum on the revised Consitution and said that he will oppose it in the House of Commons.
Associated MPs: Richard Younger-Ross
- Friday 19 October 2007
-
Diane Abbott MP supports a referendum
Labour MP Diane Abbott is now listed as being in favour of a referendum after comments she made on BBC 1's This Week programme.
Associated MPs: Diane Abbott
- Thursday 18 October 2007
-
Ann Cryer MP & Ronnie Campbell support a referendum
Labour MPs Ann Cryer and Ronnie Campbell are now listed as being in favour of a referendum after signing an Early Day Motion calling for a referendum on "any new European Treaty".
Associated MPs: Ronnie Campbell & Ann Cryer
- Tuesday 09 October 2007
-
Jeremy Corbyn MP supports a referendum
Labour MP Jermy Corbyn is now listed as being in favour of a referendum after signing the 'I Want A Referendum' petition at the Labour Party conference.
Associated MPs: Jeremy Corbyn