Gordon Brown was last night facing a revolt within Labour ranks over his refusal to give a referendum on the new European Union treaty.

 

Leading Eurosceptic MP Ian Davidson is drawing up demands to alter reform proposals, which he claims will give Brussels more power.

 

He is believed to have the backing of up to 40 Labour MPs who believe the Government should get the treaty changed or let voters decide.

 

If enough rebels join with Tories, Mr Brown could be forced to hold a referendum. Now, even some pro-Europe Labour MPs, including Gisela Stuart, have demanded a poll.

 

The Prime Minister also faces a stormy reception at next month’s TUC conference as many large unions want concessions or a referendum.

 

The Government insists the new treaty is not the same as the constitution, eventually scuppered by French and Dutch voters, on which Labour had promised a referendum.

 

The final version is now being drafted, with the aim of agreement between EU leaders in October and ratification – by referendum or Parliament – by June next year at the latest.

 

Tony Blair promised a referendum in the Labour manifesto prior to winning the last election. But as usual they have reneged on their promise, no surprise there then.

 

Source: Sunday Express

 

I don't see why everyone's so shocked. It was completely obvious to all that Labour were never going to be prepared to grant us a say on this, Blair or Brown.

Who cares??? If the EU ran this country this place would be alot better place to live imo

Edited August 27, 200717 yr by Joey Deacon

Who cares??? If the EU ran this country this place would be alot better place to live imo

With all due respects, the UK government are wacky enough without giving power to some central body like in the US.

 

We should certainly have a referendum. Any avoidance of this mean any such political leader is set in bad light in any history books.

If voters had to pass a test to show that they knew what the treaty was all about, the turnout would probably be well below 1%.

Gordon Brown knows for certain that if he gives us a referendum the UK will be out of the "treaty" (i.e constitution) as quick as a flash, and prolonging his decision to give us one means all the bad press is reflecting badly on him... at this rate people will vote no just for the sake of it, the media have really grasped onto this and won't let go. Not good for him at all imo -_-

 

We should definitely have one, the moment we do (if we do) we'll be out of the treaty like THAT imo.

Who cares??? If the EU ran this country this place would be alot better place to live imo

Not necesarily. The EU likes to run things as a single central unit, with single policies for all member states. This means even if Britain has different needs to the others, these may not be taken into consideration when policies and regulations are being introduced.

I very much doubt we'll get offered a referendum. For the simple reason the Govt wouldn't have a hope in hell of getting a 'Yes' vote.

 

They couldn't even get 'Yes' votes in France and the Netherlands. No chance in Eurosceptic UK.