Worcestershire MPs Deny People A Vote On Europe

1.44.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 16th Nov 2007

Richard Burt has today called on Sir Michael Spicer MP, Bill Wiggin MP, Michael Foster MP, Jaqui Smith MP, Julie Kirkbride MP and Peter Luff MP to explain to Worcestershire residents why they voted to stop the people having their say on Europe.

All Labour and Conservative MPs from the county voted together on Wednesday 14th November to deny the public a crucial vote on whether or not the UK should remain in the European Union. A Liberal Democrat amendment to the Queen's Speech laid out proposals for a referendum on the UK's continued membership of the European Union. The only Worcestershire MP to support the amendment was Dr. Richard Taylor who represents Wyre Forest.

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate Richard But said: "Labour and the Tories have rejected our call for the public to vote on the UK's membership of the European Union. The county's MPs, bar one, joined with the Labour and Conservative leaderships to block the people from having their say.

"Membership of the European Union is hugely positive for Britain. Cheaper goods, better environmental protection, increased freedom to work and live abroad, and a stronger framework for tackling international crime are just some of the benefits.

"But the EU has changed beyond recognition since we last had a referendum in 1975. No member of the public under the age of fifty has had the opportunity to vote on the crucial cumulative changes that have taken place over the last few decades.

"The case for a referendum to endorse, or reject, Britain's membership of this very different European Union is overwhelming and the Liberal Democrats will be proud to lead the pro-Europe case.

"It is disappointing that Labour and Conservative MPs joined forces to defeat the call for the people to have a referendum. Sir Michael Spicer, Bill Wiggin and the other Members who voted against this amendment must now explain to the people of Worcestershire why they have denied local people a say."