Menu
24/10/2011
Tories To Defy Cameron's Euro Vote Whip
Some 70 conservative backbenchers are expected to defy David Cameron's strict instructions to vote against the holding of a referendum on Europe.
The Prime Minister has issued the strongest warning available to him, in the form of a three-line whip, for his party to vote against the motion that was introduced under a new scheme that allows the public to vote for motions to be discussed in Parliament.
All Conservative, Lib Dem and Labour MPs have been instructed to vote later against the motion calling for a public referendum on the UK's inclusion in the financially troubled EU.
Mr Cameron's opposition to a referendum has enraged the euro-sceptic quarters of the party, who have signed a petition by Tory MP David Nuttall, calling. for a referendum by May 2013.
The rebellion could prove disastrous for Mr Cameron. Even though the motion is unlikely to succeed under opposition from both the Lib-Dems and Labour Party, defiance of the three-line whip will greatly weaken Mr Cameron's authority over the party, as his most hefty sanction is rendered impotent.
Foreign Affairs Minister William Hague compared calls by Conservative MPs for a referendum on the UK's membership of the European Union to "a piece of graffiti".
Speaking on Monday, Mr Hague said that an "in-out" referendum was not government policy and "the wrong question at the wrong time".
The division in the conservative party over its inclusion into Europe is a long and troubled one for the Conservatives.
The split was believed to be a major factor in the downfall of former PM John Major in the mid 1990s and also plagued the election campaign of William Hague and tenure of Ian Duncan Smith.
(DW/GK)
The Prime Minister has issued the strongest warning available to him, in the form of a three-line whip, for his party to vote against the motion that was introduced under a new scheme that allows the public to vote for motions to be discussed in Parliament.
All Conservative, Lib Dem and Labour MPs have been instructed to vote later against the motion calling for a public referendum on the UK's inclusion in the financially troubled EU.
Mr Cameron's opposition to a referendum has enraged the euro-sceptic quarters of the party, who have signed a petition by Tory MP David Nuttall, calling. for a referendum by May 2013.
The rebellion could prove disastrous for Mr Cameron. Even though the motion is unlikely to succeed under opposition from both the Lib-Dems and Labour Party, defiance of the three-line whip will greatly weaken Mr Cameron's authority over the party, as his most hefty sanction is rendered impotent.
Foreign Affairs Minister William Hague compared calls by Conservative MPs for a referendum on the UK's membership of the European Union to "a piece of graffiti".
Speaking on Monday, Mr Hague said that an "in-out" referendum was not government policy and "the wrong question at the wrong time".
The division in the conservative party over its inclusion into Europe is a long and troubled one for the Conservatives.
The split was believed to be a major factor in the downfall of former PM John Major in the mid 1990s and also plagued the election campaign of William Hague and tenure of Ian Duncan Smith.
(DW/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 October 2011
Cameron Revolt 'Humiliation' – Miliband
The Leader of the Labour Party has called Monday night's Conservative backbench revolt a "humiliation" for the Prime Minister.
Cameron Revolt 'Humiliation' – Miliband
The Leader of the Labour Party has called Monday night's Conservative backbench revolt a "humiliation" for the Prime Minister.
05 September 2006
Woman seriously injured by Conservative minibus
A woman has suffered serious injuries after being hit by a minibus carrying Conservative party aides during David Cameron's four-day tour of India. The minibus was travelling along a road in Mumbai when it hit the local woman just after noon on Tuesday, local time.
Woman seriously injured by Conservative minibus
A woman has suffered serious injuries after being hit by a minibus carrying Conservative party aides during David Cameron's four-day tour of India. The minibus was travelling along a road in Mumbai when it hit the local woman just after noon on Tuesday, local time.
03 November 2009
Cameron's Lisbon 'Disappointment'
Conservative Leader David Cameron will reveal his party's reviewed Lisbon Treaty strategy tomorrow, amid speculation the new European policy is on the cusp of full ratification. In 2007, Mr Cameron insisted, should the Tories come to power, a referendum would be held on the treaty.
Cameron's Lisbon 'Disappointment'
Conservative Leader David Cameron will reveal his party's reviewed Lisbon Treaty strategy tomorrow, amid speculation the new European policy is on the cusp of full ratification. In 2007, Mr Cameron insisted, should the Tories come to power, a referendum would be held on the treaty.
06 May 2011
Lib Dems Suffer At The Polls
After taking a punishment at the polls in the English local elections, Nick Clegg has said his party is being blamed for coalition spending cuts. So far the votes indicate almost a fifty percent cut of Lib Dem councillors, with the majority of lost seats in northern cities. The Conservative vote is standing strong.
Lib Dems Suffer At The Polls
After taking a punishment at the polls in the English local elections, Nick Clegg has said his party is being blamed for coalition spending cuts. So far the votes indicate almost a fifty percent cut of Lib Dem councillors, with the majority of lost seats in northern cities. The Conservative vote is standing strong.
21 August 2006
'More female MPs' for Conservatives
Conservative leader David Cameron has announced plans to increase the number of female parliamentary candidates in the party. Under the new arrangements, two of the final four candidates short-listed for each constituency will have to be women.
'More female MPs' for Conservatives
Conservative leader David Cameron has announced plans to increase the number of female parliamentary candidates in the party. Under the new arrangements, two of the final four candidates short-listed for each constituency will have to be women.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Cloudy start and the chance of the odd evening shower. Soon becoming dry with prolonged clear spells allowing fog patches to develop in places. Cloud increases in the early hours with patchy rain northwest towards morning. Minimum temperature 3 °C.
