EU poll by 2015 MPs tell the PM
MPs last night urged David Cameron to speed up a referendum on Britain’s membership of the European Union.
Backbenchers called on Mr Cameron to introduce legislation to trigger the in-or-out poll before the next election.
It follows his promise earlier this year to hold a referendum by 2017 if he is still Prime Minister.
Many Tories want him to put the national poll plan to the Commons before the next election, due in 2015. They believe bringing it forward could help stop the Tories losing votes to Ukip. Senior backbencher John Baron, who organised a letter signed by more than 100 MPs, said: “The country has waited too long to express its view.
“Colleagues and I have urged the Prime Minister to bring the enabling legislation forward into this Parliament. Legislation stands more chance of convincing the electorate than election promises.”
The backbenchers believe putting the issue to the Commons will expose the Lib Dems and Labour for their stances on Europe. The letter follows growing support for the Daily Express’s crusade for the UK to quit the EU.