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EU referendum: Cameron facing prospect of defeat on 'purdah' rules EU referendum: Cameron suffers Commons defeat over '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 new government has suffered its first defeat in the House of Commons, over changes to rules governing the in/out EU referendum campaign.
Ministers have made a series of concessions over so-called "purdah" rules applied to the campaign in the face of Eurosceptic opposition. Ministers wanted to amend so-called "purdah" rules which limit government activity during the campaign period.
But Labour, and some Tory rebels, are seeking to tighten the rules further. But Labour teamed up with rebel Tory MPs to block the move by 312 to 285 and ensure the normal rules would apply.
Meanwhile, ministers have conceded a rebel amendment that would prevent the government from holding a snap poll. Earlier, the government conceded a rebel Tory amendment preventing a snap poll from being held.
Tabled by Eurosceptic Conservative MP Bernard Jenkin, it requires ministers to give four months' notice of how the final purdah rules would work.Tabled by Eurosceptic Conservative MP Bernard Jenkin, it requires ministers to give four months' notice of how the final purdah rules would work.
It had attracted support from Labour, meaning the government faced a possible defeat over the matter. The amendment had attracted support from Labour, meaning the government faced a possible defeat on it.
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. MPs are debating the EU Referendum Bill - which paves the way for an in-out referendum on Britain's EU membership by the end of 2017 - at its final stages.
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. They are expected to approved the legislation later on Monday evening.
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 long standing 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 for the EU referendum in response to Euroceptics' concerns David Cameron could use the Whitehall publicity machine to promote continued EU membership. The government agreed to restore purdah restrictions for the EU referendum in response to Euroceptics' concerns Prime Minister 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 at about 20:30 BST during the remaining stages of the EU Bill. But ministers said there should be certain exemptions to the rules to enable ministers and others to conduct EU business as usual during the referendum campaign.
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. Arguing for a partial suspension of the normal purdah rules, Europe Minister David Lidington told MPs it would ensure the normal running of government business during the final weeks of the referendum campaign.
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. "Limited modifications" to the purdah rules would enable the government to transcribe wider EU business "without legal risks", he said.
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. 'Humiliating defeat'
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. But he was accused by Tory Eurosceptic MP Sir Edward Leigh of offering "legalistic claptrap" in a bid to avoid a defeat in the Commons.
It comes amid reports that business leaders are being urged to tone down attacks on the risk of EU exit. He said the process must be "considered to be fair" and argued for Labour's amendment - to reinstate the full purdah rules - to be accepted.
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. Commenting after the vote, shadow foreign secretary Hilary Benn said the government had tried to play "fast and loose" with the arrangements for the referendum.
"This is a humiliating defeat for David Cameron, with members from all sides of the House supporting Labour's approach to purdah, which ensures fairness in the conduct of the referendum campaign while permitting normal government business to take place," Mr Benn said.
"The government should never have rushed through its flawed plans to play fast and loose with the rules on the referendum."
No date has yet been set for the referendum on Britain's membership of the European Union but the prime minister has promised to hold the vote by the end of 2017.
The debate on the EU Referendum Bill 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 Mr Cameron's negotiating position.