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Tory MP challenges Cameron over Europe referendum
11 Nov 2009David Cameron is facing renewed attack over his abandonment of a referendum on the EU's Lisbon Treaty after one of his MPs vowed to campaign for a public vote.
Leading Eurosceptic Douglas Carswell told constituents it was "time to let the British people have their say" in a direct challenge to party policy.
Mr Cameron dropped his pledge to hold a poll last week, arguing that the Treaty's ratification by all member states rendered it useless.
Instead a Tory government would seek to claw back powers from Brussels and introduce a law to ensure none could be surrendered in future without a referendum, he said.
Unveiling the policy, which sparked the resignation of two MEPs from the front bench, he issued a direct warning to critics seeking a referendum "for the sake of it".
"I don't think a made-up referendum will get Britain anywhere," he declared as he unveiled the new strategy, suggesting a general election would serve that purpose.
But Mr Carswell, who began the ultimately successful campaign to oust Commons Speaker Michael Martin, said he was determined there would be a separate vote on Europe.
In an email to constituents, seen by the Guardian, he said: "I want you to know that I have begun a campaign for a referendum on the EU. All three parties promised us a referendum. Yet somehow it hasn't happened. I think that's wrong."
The backbench MP for Harwich, who has made clear he continues to support Mr Cameron's leadership, went on: "I will campaign for a vote on Europe with the same determination that I campaigned to remove the Commons Speaker.
"No one in Britain under the age of 52 has had the chance to vote in a referendum on Europe. For years it has been left to professional politicians and diplomats to decide EU policy. I believe it is now time to let the people have their say."
His campaign emerged after Labour seized on comments by Kenneth Clarke, the strongly pro-Europe shadow business secretary, as evidence of splits within the top team.
Mr Clarke told the Westminster Press Gallery that the commitment to repatriate powers on social affairs and criminal justice represented "reassurance".
He said he hoped the efforts, which Mr Cameron has said would stretch over several years and not be a "massive Euro-bust-up", would calm down the debate over Europe.
Europe Minister Chris Bryant said: "The cat's out of the bag - David Cameron's leadership has been found wanting on Europe and Tory divisions are clearly alive and well.
"Ken Clarke's comments show he doesn't believe Cameron's rhetoric, and it's certainly not enough for his own backbenchers, who are launching a campaign against their leader's policy.
"His shallow promises may not have convinced his party, but more seriously they would only serve to damage the British interest in Europe and throughout the world.
"Cameron has proposed a set of policies that aren't doable, deliverable or credible, and the Conservatives just can't be taken seriously on this issue."
Reader views (2)
Call me Dave does not have a cat-in-hell's chance of clawing back anything from the Brussels autocracy.
Never mind the Lisbon Treaty - the UK needs to get out of the EU altogether and fast.
- Reuben Camara, Plot 1, Morecambe Compound, EUSSR, 11/11/2009 09:39
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And what would the question for the referendum be.
Let's be honest the only option is now to exit the EU, and the question should be "Is continued membership of the EU in this country's best financial and political interests" requiring a simple yes or no.
- J R J, Glen Vine, 11/11/2009 09:02
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