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EU Referendum Bill: Debate resumes in Commons EU Referendum Bill: Debate resumes in Commons
(35 minutes later)
MPs are set to continue debating the EU (Referendum) Bill in the Commons, with Tory backbencher Adam Afriyie expected to press on with his bid to bring an in/out vote forward to 2014. MPs are continuing to debate the EU (Referendum) Bill in the Commons, with Tory backbencher Adam Afriyie expected to press on with his bid to bring an in/out vote forward to 2014.
The Conservative leadership supports backbench MP James Wharton's bill, which legislates for a 2017 referendum.The Conservative leadership supports backbench MP James Wharton's bill, which legislates for a 2017 referendum.
But Mr Afriyie has warned his colleagues that this approach could cost them the 2015 general election.But Mr Afriyie has warned his colleagues that this approach could cost them the 2015 general election.
Tory colleagues have urged him to drop his amendment to the bill.Tory colleagues have urged him to drop his amendment to the bill.
At second reading, when MPs debate the general principles of legislation, the Commons voted in favour of the bill by 304 votes to zero, with no Lib Dems and just six Labour MPs taking part in the vote.At second reading, when MPs debate the general principles of legislation, the Commons voted in favour of the bill by 304 votes to zero, with no Lib Dems and just six Labour MPs taking part in the vote.
'Jeopardise progress''Jeopardise progress'
Debate on the legislation is expected to resume at about 9.30 GMT at report stage, which is MPs' last chance to amend the bill. This is the bill's second day of debate at report stage, which is MPs' last chance to amend the bill.
This will be the bill's second day of report-stage debate.
"On the first day a series of very long speeches and dragged-out votes meant that only one of the four groups of amendments chosen by the Speaker was disposed of, and at that rate there will have to be at least one more report stage day after this," said BBC parliamentary correspondent Mark Darcy."On the first day a series of very long speeches and dragged-out votes meant that only one of the four groups of amendments chosen by the Speaker was disposed of, and at that rate there will have to be at least one more report stage day after this," said BBC parliamentary correspondent Mark Darcy.
On the first day, two weeks ago, Mr Afriyie told his fellow Tory MPs: "I ask a simple question: if not in this Parliament, then when else can we be sure to secure a referendum? Mr Afriyie told his fellow Tory MPs on the previous day of report-stage debate: "I ask a simple question: if not in this Parliament, then when else can we be sure to secure a referendum?
"I would just say with all humility and kindness to my colleagues that by chasing an EU referendum dream for 2017, we risk losing one in 2014 and throwing away the 2015 election.""I would just say with all humility and kindness to my colleagues that by chasing an EU referendum dream for 2017, we risk losing one in 2014 and throwing away the 2015 election."
He also accused Labour of trying to "gag the British people" by failing to support a referendum.He also accused Labour of trying to "gag the British people" by failing to support a referendum.
In October, more than 100 Tory MPs wrote to Mr Afriyie.In October, more than 100 Tory MPs wrote to Mr Afriyie.
"We believe that the bill before the House provides in its current form the best opportunity to secure this outcome, in part because of its uncomplicated, unambiguous nature. This gives the bill the best chance of progressing through the House," they said."We believe that the bill before the House provides in its current form the best opportunity to secure this outcome, in part because of its uncomplicated, unambiguous nature. This gives the bill the best chance of progressing through the House," they said.
"So, whilst we recognise the sense of urgency reflected in your amendment, we feel that this will jeopardise the progress of legislation and the prospect of a referendum."So, whilst we recognise the sense of urgency reflected in your amendment, we feel that this will jeopardise the progress of legislation and the prospect of a referendum.
"Knowing that you value and respect the views of colleagues, we hope and request that you withdraw support for the amendment tabled in your name.""Knowing that you value and respect the views of colleagues, we hope and request that you withdraw support for the amendment tabled in your name."
'Economic suicide'
Mr Cameron argues that holding a referendum in 2017 will give him enough time for a full renegotiation of the UK's relationship with Brussels before the public is offered a say on whether to leave or remain in the EU.Mr Cameron argues that holding a referendum in 2017 will give him enough time for a full renegotiation of the UK's relationship with Brussels before the public is offered a say on whether to leave or remain in the EU.
The bill was tabled by backbench Conservative Mr Wharton in an attempt to enshrine his party leadership's referendum pledge in law.The bill was tabled by backbench Conservative Mr Wharton in an attempt to enshrine his party leadership's referendum pledge in law.
It lacks the support of the Liberal Democrats, and, as a private member's bill, is vulnerable to being delayed by procedural tactics from MPs who oppose it.It lacks the support of the Liberal Democrats, and, as a private member's bill, is vulnerable to being delayed by procedural tactics from MPs who oppose it.
The bill will only become law if the government allocates enough parliamentary time for its advocates in the Commons to overcome any such hurdles.The bill will only become law if the government allocates enough parliamentary time for its advocates in the Commons to overcome any such hurdles.
Deputy PM Nick Clegg has described Mr Cameron's plan as a "short-sighted political calculation" which could see the UK "stumble out" of the EU.Deputy PM Nick Clegg has described Mr Cameron's plan as a "short-sighted political calculation" which could see the UK "stumble out" of the EU.
Leaving the EU would be "economic suicide", he added.Leaving the EU would be "economic suicide", he added.