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EU Referendum Bill: Debate resumes in Commons EU Referendum Bill: Tories 'prepared to go the distance', says MP
(35 minutes later)
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. Conservative MPs are is "prepared to go the distance, however many rounds it takes", to legislate for an in/out referendum on the UK's membership of the EU, MP James Wharton has said.
The Conservative leadership supports backbench MP James Wharton's bill, which legislates for a 2017 referendum. As MPs resumed debate on his bill, which proposes a 2017 referendum, Mr Wharton accused "anti-democratic forces" of standing in his way.
But Mr Afriyie has warned his colleagues that this approach could cost them the 2015 general election. Mr Wharton's bill enjoys the support of his party leadership.
Tory colleagues have urged him to drop his amendment to the bill. But Labour MPs are attempting to block progress with delaying tactics.
One Labour backbencher, Mike Gapes, has tabled more than 50 amendments to the legislation, 18 of which attempt to change, or place constraints on, the date of the proposed referendum.
In a statement issued by Conservative central office, Mr Wharton said: "The Conservatives are fighting to give the British people a say on Europe.
"Lined-up against us are anti-democratic forces within Labour and the Liberal Democrats doing everything in their power to stall and block this bill.
"As usual, they don't trust the British public enough to give them a say, but we are prepared to go the distance, however many rounds it takes, to get the bill through and to let Britain decide."
With MPs continuing to debate Mr Wharton's EU (Referendum) Bill, Conservative backbencher Adam Afriyie was expected to press on with his bid to bring the in/out vote forward to 2014.
Mr Afriyie has warned his colleagues that their approach could cost them the 2015 general election.
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'
This is the bill's second day of debate 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. It could go to a third day of debate if it runs out of time.
"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. Prime Minister David 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 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? Pressed by Labour on which powers the Conservatives would seek to repatriate, Europe minister David Lidington responded: "The honourable gentleman may believe that it would be the right approach for a government to spell out in 2013 precisely what terms ministers in a future Conservative government would hope to put to the EU after 2015 general 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." "All I can say to him is if that is the sort of naïve approach to negotiation that he endorses now then that would indicate why his party so signally failed to achieve much while they were in office."
He also accused Labour of trying to "gag the British people" by failing to support a referendum. Mr Lidington told the Commons he accepted that Mr Afriyie had proposed his amendment in good faith.
In October, more than 100 Tory MPs wrote to Mr Afriyie. But he added: "I believe that the choice the British people deserve is a choice between membership of the EU on reformed and renegotiated terms, or leaving. And that is the right choice.
"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. "I do not believe it would be possible to come to an informed view about that choice as early as next year, and it is that understanding of the European context that has led the government to propose the 2017 date."
"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."
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.