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EU referendum: Cameron facing prospect of defeat on 'purdah' rules EU referendum: Cameron facing prospect of defeat on 'purdah' rules
(about 2 hours later)
The government is facing a possible defeat later over changes to EU referendum campaign rules after Labour said it would not support the plans.The government is facing a possible defeat later over changes to EU referendum campaign rules after Labour said it would not support the plans.
Ministers have made a series of concessions over so-called "purdah" rules applied to the campaign in the face of Eurosceptic opposition.Ministers have made a series of concessions over so-called "purdah" rules applied to the campaign in the face of Eurosceptic opposition.
But Labour, and some Tory rebels, want to tighten the rules further. But Labour, and some Tory rebels, are seeking to tighten the rules further.
Labour will also back a rebel Tory amendment to prevent a snap poll being held, with votes expected later. Meanwhile, ministers have conceded a rebel amendment that would prevent the government from holding a snap poll.
MPs are expected to approve the EU Referendum Bill - legislation paving the way for an in-out referendum on Britain's EU membership by the end of 2017 - on Monday evening. Tabled by Eurosceptic Conservative MP Bernard Jenkin, it requires ministers to give four months' notice of how the final purdah rules would work.
But if Tory rebels join forces with the Opposition they could inflict defeat on the government over its plans for the rules governing the campaign period. It had attracted support from Labour, meaning the government faced a possible defeat over the matter.
MPs are expected to approve the EU Referendum Bill - paving the way for an in-out referendum on Britain's EU membership by the end of 2017 - on Monday evening.
But Tory rebels could still join forces with the Opposition to reject government changes to purdah rules and back Labour's proposal for tougher rules.
What is purdah?What is purdah?
Purdah is a longstanding convention whereby governments refrain from making any major announcements in the run-up to general elections or other polls to avoid influencing their outcome.Purdah is a longstanding convention whereby governments refrain from making any major announcements in the run-up to general elections or other polls to avoid influencing their outcome.
The existing rules were set out in legislation passed in 2000. They prevent ministers, departments and local authorities from publishing any "promotional material" arguing for or against any particular outcome or referring to any of the issues involved in the referendum.The existing rules were set out in legislation passed in 2000. They prevent ministers, departments and local authorities from publishing any "promotional material" arguing for or against any particular outcome or referring to any of the issues involved in the referendum.
The rules, which apply to the 28 days up to polling day, do not preclude ministers from issuing press notices or responding to specific requests for information from members of the public.The rules, which apply to the 28 days up to polling day, do not preclude ministers from issuing press notices or responding to specific requests for information from members of the public.
Ministers agreed to restore purdah restrictions following a row, as Euroceptics were concerned David Cameron would used the Whitehall publicity machine to promote continued EU membership. Ministers agreed to restore purdah restrictions for the EU referendum in response to Euroceptics' concerns David Cameron could use the Whitehall publicity machine to promote continued EU membership.
An amendment setting out the government's position will be voted on later on Monday during the remaining stages of the EU Bill. An amendment setting out the government's position will be voted on at about 20:30 BST during the remaining stages of the EU Bill.
Labour has tabled a separate amendment calling for the application of the existing rules and requiring ministers to specify what material will be published during the 28-day period.Labour has tabled a separate amendment calling for the application of the existing rules and requiring ministers to specify what material will be published during the 28-day period.
Meanwhile, Euroscpetic MP Bernard Jenkin will try to amend the bill - with Labour support - to require the government to give four months' notice of the vote, to prevent the government from holding a snap poll.
He told BBC Radio 4's World at One programme: "We can't have a referendum that is not being conducted fairly and one in which the rules aren't clear from the outset."
Eurosceptic MPs want the Electoral Commission to be given the power to advise ministers on what publicity and communications would be appropriate and to specifically rule out any further relaxation in the rules in the four months leading up to the vote.Eurosceptic MPs want the Electoral Commission to be given the power to advise ministers on what publicity and communications would be appropriate and to specifically rule out any further relaxation in the rules in the four months leading up to the vote.
The MPs have also tabled other amendments calling for curbs on ministerial visits by devolved governments, restrictions on direct campaigning by the EU and a requirement for the UK, in the event of an Out vote, to leave the EU within two years.The MPs have also tabled other amendments calling for curbs on ministerial visits by devolved governments, restrictions on direct campaigning by the EU and a requirement for the UK, in the event of an Out vote, to leave the EU within two years.
The government has yet to decide when the referendum will be held, saying it will be determined by the progress of negotiations with other EU nations and the passage of the EU Referendum Bill - which must also be approved by the House of Lords. But David Cameron has promised that the vote will take place before 2018.The government has yet to decide when the referendum will be held, saying it will be determined by the progress of negotiations with other EU nations and the passage of the EU Referendum Bill - which must also be approved by the House of Lords. But David Cameron has promised that the vote will take place before 2018.
It comes amid reports that business leaders are being urged to tone down attacks on the risk of EU exit.It comes amid reports that business leaders are being urged to tone down attacks on the risk of EU exit.
The Financial Times claimed Downing Street was privately advising pro-EU business figures to stop warning about the dangers of EU withdrawal for fear of undermining David Cameron's negotiating position.The Financial Times claimed Downing Street was privately advising pro-EU business figures to stop warning about the dangers of EU withdrawal for fear of undermining David Cameron's negotiating position.