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Biggest Labour donor wants party to offer EU referendum | Biggest Labour donor wants party to offer EU referendum |
(2 days later) | |
A leading supporter of re-negotiating the UK's position in the EU made the largest donation to the Labour Party in the first quarter of this year. | A leading supporter of re-negotiating the UK's position in the EU made the largest donation to the Labour Party in the first quarter of this year. |
According to figures released by the Electoral Commission, John Mills, the chairman of Business for Britain, donated £1.65m in shares. | |
This was more than twice the amount given by the next biggest contributor, the Unite union. | This was more than twice the amount given by the next biggest contributor, the Unite union. |
Mr Mills is the brother-in-law of former Labour minister Tessa Jowell. | Mr Mills is the brother-in-law of former Labour minister Tessa Jowell. |
He is the founder and Chairman of JML, an online shopping and retail company and a long-time Labour member, who served as finance chief councillor on Camden Council until 2006. | He is the founder and Chairman of JML, an online shopping and retail company and a long-time Labour member, who served as finance chief councillor on Camden Council until 2006. |
He is the chairman of the Business for Britain group, which lobbies to re-negotiate Britain's relationship with the EU. | |
'Better deal' | 'Better deal' |
Mr Mills also chairs the recently formed Labour for a Referendum group, which wants the party to commit to an in-out referendum on Europe. | Mr Mills also chairs the recently formed Labour for a Referendum group, which wants the party to commit to an in-out referendum on Europe. |
Writing on the Labour Uncut website, said said: "To boost jobs and growth, British business has to be competitive, and it is with this aim in mind that Business for Britain is seeking a better EU deal to help pave the way towards economic prosperity." | Writing on the Labour Uncut website, said said: "To boost jobs and growth, British business has to be competitive, and it is with this aim in mind that Business for Britain is seeking a better EU deal to help pave the way towards economic prosperity." |
Labour leader Ed Miliband has ruled out offering a referendum on the EU for the moment, but Labour For a Referendum argues that this will damage the party's prospects at the next election. | Labour leader Ed Miliband has ruled out offering a referendum on the EU for the moment, but Labour For a Referendum argues that this will damage the party's prospects at the next election. |
The group has 15 MPs as members, including Keith Vaz, Kate Hoey and John Cryer. | The group has 15 MPs as members, including Keith Vaz, Kate Hoey and John Cryer. |
Shadow chancellor Ed Balls has also indicated that he supports the idea of a referendum. | Shadow chancellor Ed Balls has also indicated that he supports the idea of a referendum. |
After Mr Mills. next biggest donation made to the Labour in the first quarter of this year was £767,000 by the Unite union. In total the party received £3.68m. | After Mr Mills. next biggest donation made to the Labour in the first quarter of this year was £767,000 by the Unite union. In total the party received £3.68m. |
The Conservatives raised £3.66m, the Liberal Democrats £843,000 and UKIP £74,000. | The Conservatives raised £3.66m, the Liberal Democrats £843,000 and UKIP £74,000. |
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