British parliament to vote on EU referendum
Amid the mounting prospect of a significant rebellion by eurosceptic Tory backbenchers, Downing Street requested the shift so William Hague could spearhead the Government fight.
The debate was scheduled for next Thursday, when both Hague and Prime Minister, David Cameron, are due to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Australia.
Critics said the move was a bid by ministers to prevent the calls for a vote building up a head of steam — a suggestion dismissed by sources at Number 10.
News of the change came just hours after the premier warned his backbenchers against seeking a referendum “willy nilly” as he tackled the demands at Commons question time.
There may be “opportunities” for such a vote in the future if there were significant changes planned to the way the EU operated, he said.
“But the right answer is not to hold a referendum willy nilly in this parliament when we have got so much to do to get Europe to sort out its problems.”
Reports suggest Tory backbenchers may be subjected to a three-line whip requiring them to follow the party line in voting against, though some expect a non-binding whip to be imposed.
“As a general principle, the prime minister would expect MPs to support the Government’s position on an issue,” Downing Street said afterwards.
Some 58 MPs, including 46 Tories, have now signed the motion.
Approval from MPs would place enormous pressure on Cameron to respect the will of the Commons and seek the public’s verdict, though the vote is not binding.
