Even as MPs agreed to hold a Commons vote on a referendum, government sources made clear that the Tories would be whipped to vote against a poll.
Mr Cameron's decision to impose a three-line whip has angered many MPs, since the vote was called under rules the Coalition promised would give backbenchers more freedom.
The back-bench business committee yesterday voted to hold a debate on the issue on Oct 27 after more than 100,000 people signed a petition demanding a choice.
The Prime Minister, who has expressed his desire to take back some powers from Brussels, is publicly opposed to a referendum and will order his MPs to vote against it.
Although any vote would not be binding, the decision sets the scene for a Tory rebellion and a test of Mr Cameron's authority over his party. » | Christopher Hope | Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Cameron would have been better off becoming a high class estate agent. He'd have done well at that. Leading the Conservatives, however, is another matter. Judging by the comments I have read on this thread, he's already a dead man walking. His chances of re-election are zilch.
I am no Europhobe, but if the people want a referendum, they should be given one. It isn't enough to talk about democracy, one has to show one's democratic credentials. David Cameron's are sadly lacking. But scorn will be heaped on him for this decision; and pay-back time is just a few years down the road. – © Mark
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