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EU referendum - Q&A EU referendum - Q&A
(4 months later)
What is the coalition line on an EU referendum?
What is the coalition line on an EU referendum?
The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats supported a bill (now law) saying there would be a referendum in the future on any proposal to transfer further powers to Brussels. But they are split on an in/out referendum. The Tories want to hold one by 2017, following a renegotiation of Britain's relationship with the EU; the Lib Dems oppose that and the two parties' 2015 election manifestos will reflect that split.The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats supported a bill (now law) saying there would be a referendum in the future on any proposal to transfer further powers to Brussels. But they are split on an in/out referendum. The Tories want to hold one by 2017, following a renegotiation of Britain's relationship with the EU; the Lib Dems oppose that and the two parties' 2015 election manifestos will reflect that split.
What is David Cameron doing now?
What is David Cameron doing now?
A vote is due on Wednesday night on an amendment to the Queen's speech motion. The amendment says there should have been an EU referendum bill in the government's legislative programme. Cameron has allowed Tory backbenchers and parliamentary private secretaries to vote for the amendment, even though this amounts to criticising the Queen's speech, on the grounds that a referendum is Tory policy. Conservative ministers have been told to abstain. Cameron will not be voting because he will still be in the United States. He is also encouraging Tories to support a backbench bill calling for a referendum. It can't be a government bill because the Lib Dems wouldn't allow it.A vote is due on Wednesday night on an amendment to the Queen's speech motion. The amendment says there should have been an EU referendum bill in the government's legislative programme. Cameron has allowed Tory backbenchers and parliamentary private secretaries to vote for the amendment, even though this amounts to criticising the Queen's speech, on the grounds that a referendum is Tory policy. Conservative ministers have been told to abstain. Cameron will not be voting because he will still be in the United States. He is also encouraging Tories to support a backbench bill calling for a referendum. It can't be a government bill because the Lib Dems wouldn't allow it.
Why is he doing it?
Why is he doing it?
When Cameron became Conservative leader he thought the party should stop "banging on" about Europe, but as prime minister he has found it impossible to avoid. He wants to renegotiate Britain's relationship with the EU and then persuade voters to back Britain's continued membership. But, with Ukip winning votes off the Tories, and Eurosceptics reluctant to postpone legislation, he has had to go further than originally announced – with the backbench bill – to persuade his party he is serious.When Cameron became Conservative leader he thought the party should stop "banging on" about Europe, but as prime minister he has found it impossible to avoid. He wants to renegotiate Britain's relationship with the EU and then persuade voters to back Britain's continued membership. But, with Ukip winning votes off the Tories, and Eurosceptics reluctant to postpone legislation, he has had to go further than originally announced – with the backbench bill – to persuade his party he is serious.
Will he win over rebels?
Will he win over rebels?
No 10 insists they are not rebels, because they are not defying the whip and a referendum bill is party policy. Many believe Cameron has not tried hard enough to force this past the Lib Dems.No 10 insists they are not rebels, because they are not defying the whip and a referendum bill is party policy. Many believe Cameron has not tried hard enough to force this past the Lib Dems.
How will Labour respond?
How will Labour respond?
All but a handful of Labour MPs will vote against the amendment. It does not support an in/out referendum now, although it has not ruled one out for good.All but a handful of Labour MPs will vote against the amendment. It does not support an in/out referendum now, although it has not ruled one out for good.
What does it mean for the coalition?
What does it mean for the coalition?
This will further strain relations. But it is highly unlikely to bring it down, not least because the alternatives are unpalatable for both parties.This will further strain relations. But it is highly unlikely to bring it down, not least because the alternatives are unpalatable for both parties.
What happens next?
What happens next?
On Wednesday MPs will vote on the amendment. On Thursday the Commons authorities will name the MPs who have been successful in the ballot for private member's bills, one of whom will inevitably choose the EU referendum bill. The first possible slot for debate would be Friday 5 July.On Wednesday MPs will vote on the amendment. On Thursday the Commons authorities will name the MPs who have been successful in the ballot for private member's bills, one of whom will inevitably choose the EU referendum bill. The first possible slot for debate would be Friday 5 July.
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