EU vote is a step closer as Osborne backs call for referendum
VOTERS are a step closer to getting a say on Britain’s membership of the European Union after it emerged yesterday that George Osborne now backs a referendum on the issue.
The Chancellor’s stance is a massive boost to the Daily Express crusade for the UK to quit the EU.
Whitehall sources revealed that Mr Osborne, who is also the Tories’ chief election strategist, has been pressing David Cameron to commit the party to a national poll on the country’s ties with Brussels.
It means the second most powerful figure in the Government is behind the call to give voters a say.
David Cameron at an EU summit
Mr Osborne is understood to be arguing that a referendum promise will help rejuvenate flagging Tory support after a string of embarrassing U-turns over the Budget.
Events are moving very fast in the eurozone
Opinion polls show that support for the EU is plummeting among voters amid the continuing financial crisis in the eurozone.
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Senior figures in all parties at Westminster fear a backlash from voters unless they address the growing disenchantment with Brussels.
Mr Osborne is thought to favour a poll on proposals for renegotiating the terms of the UK’s membership rather than on an in-or-out question.
Ukip deputy leader Paul Nuttall said last night: “It seems the Chancellor is a late convert to the referendum cause, but it is a pity he only wants a fudge. We do not need a vote on a negotiating position. The Government’s top priority should be an in-or-out referendum.”
George Osborne has backed a call for a referendum
Ian McKenzie, of the People’s Pledge campaign for an EU referendum, said he was “delighted” at Mr Osborne’s stance but also warned about fudging the issue.
Downing Street insiders confirmed the possibility of a referendum was being discussed by the Prime Minister and senior colleagues.
One senior source said: “We are thinking some strong Tory thoughts on Europe. Events are moving very fast in the eurozone.”
Aides insisted Mr Cameron’s Eurosceptic instincts are partly being restrained by the Euro-fanaticism of Nick Clegg and the Lib Dems.
Mr Osborne is understood to be concerned that Labour is plotting to outflank the Tories by promising an EU vote. He is also concerned to block the advance of Ukip which has been gaining support among disillusioned former Tory voters.
Treasury insiders yesterday declined to deny reports the Chancellor is arguing in favour of a referendum.
Earlier this week, a poll found that 83 per cent of Conservative Party members want the proposal included in their 2015 general election manifesto.
Whitehall insiders say that Mr Osborne’s hopes of being the natural successor to Mr Cameron when he eventually leaves 10 Downing Street have been severely dented by retreats over the taxes on pasties, charity donations and static caravans.
Mr Osborne is thought to see London Mayor Boris Johnson – who has been gaining popularity with his outspoken Eurosceptic comments – as a potential rival.