DENIAL OF REFERENDUM VOTE ON EU AN "OUTRAGE"

5.00.00pm GMT Tue 26th Feb 2008

Julia joins in Commons walk-out protest

Following the refusal of the Speaker to allow a vote on the Liberal Democrat amendment calling for an in-out referendum on the EU, Falmouth and Camborne MP Julia Goldsworthy said:

"A vote on an in-out referendum would allow the public to have a say on the real issue of our future membership of the European Union. It is outrageous that Parliament and the public have been denied the opportunity to have this debate."

"Both Labour and the Conservatives are terrified of being divided by such a debate - which is why they are so keen to retain focus on the very narrow issue of the Lisbon Treaty. People deserve an open discussion on the fundamental issue - and I would be happy to take part in that debate arguing the case for our continued membership of the EU."