Let the People Decide
Posted by Laura Sandys, MP for South Thanet, at 13:37, Mon 18 November 2013:
Almost 40 years has come and gone since we last had the chance to have our say on the European Union. A large proportion of the population has never had the opportunity to vote on membership. It is such an important issue that for years has continued to divide opinion, and I believe that it's about time the Great British public were given their say again.
The Conservative EU Referendum Bill which guarantees an In/Out referendum in 2017 continued its passage through Parliament this week, and I am very proud to be both voting for it and co-sponsoring it. I began campaigning for a referendum long before I was elected because I firmly believe that it is right thing to do. We must let people have a say.
Unfortunately some people don't agree. The Labour Party continues to oppose the Bill and in doing so, is refusing to entrust the British public with this decision. With such an important piece of legislation on the table, I just can't understand Labour's unwillingness to give people a voice. I would very much like the Labour candidate for the area to justify his Party's ongoing reluctance and to clarify his own position.
To be clear, if this Bill passes, we will get a referendum in 2017. This issue is about far more than Party politics; it's about doing what is right and giving people a voice. Isn't that the very basis of the democracy of which we are so rightly proud? I very much hope that this Bill passes through Parliament and I'll be backing it all the way over the coming weeks and months. It will however need lots of support and you can voice yours by e-mailing: letsouththanetdecide@gmail.com
- 'Laura's View'- 13th November 2013- Thanet Extra
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Posted by Peter Lavington, 13:54, Mon 18 November 2013: (Is this post abusive?) #
But there is just the small matter of winning outright in 2015. I fear Laura that with your leader wanting Britain to stay in Europe and no indication that he would take any notice of a referendum anyway the Conservative party is finished. In S Thanet you will find the significant (3-4 thousand?) UKIP vote will put you into second place behind Labour. You may believe in a Referendum but I believe that you and many Conservatives in Parliament wish UK to remain in Europe and will use every scare tactic (and dare I say lie) to get the 'right' result if this Referendum ever materialises.
Posted by Alan Smith, 14:32, Mon 18 November 2013: (Is this post abusive?) #
I definately get the impression that most MPs are living in a world of their own. For that reason I would state that which applies to all 'Actions speak louder than words' Our nation has never been allowed to have its say on the matter of being part of the EU, only that we agreed to be part of a Common Market. Everyone I know are very angry at the politicians of all the present parties because of this and other similar topics. A wise MP would be pushing for a referendum as soon a possible on the matter of EU membership. What with selling off our Utilities, and other national assets and the present scramble to stay in the EU, should we be looking at an end to a UK parliament? Perhaps we could all have a quirter life if all the politicians were sent there and we could then just ignore them altogether. Few politicians of any party are to be trusted so lets all remember that whatever they say the will do one can take with a very large pinch of salt. Until parties and their politicians start showing ACTIONS who but a fool will ever believe them.