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Mark Versallion
Parliamentary Candidate for Stretford and Urmston

04Sep07

EU REFERENDUM PROMISE BROKEN

Conservative Parliamentary Spokesman for Stretford and Urmston, Mark Versallion, is calling upon residents to write to their Labour MP and Government Minister, Bev Hughes, to honour the Labour manifesto pledge to hold a referendum on the new European Union treaty.

Stretford and Urmston's Conservative Parliamentary Candidate said "in today's YouGov poll almost two thirds of voters want a referendum on the EU reform treaty yet are being denied one." Mark Versallion said "Gordon Brown is facing increasing pressure and several unions have already embarrassed him over the issue as they too want a referendum."

Gordon Brown has so far rejected calls for a national vote on the grounds that the new treaty is much less far-reaching than the original constitutional treaty abandoned in 2005 after Dutch and French voters rejected it. But the YouGov poll discloses that only five per cent of voters agree, with 63 per cent wanting a national vote on the issue. With more than 22 per cent also uncertain, the number could rise further.

"There is a real danger that the treaty, which implements the Charter of Fundamental Rights, could allow convicted killers to walk free. The Charter insists that punishments must not be "disproportionate" to crimes. Conservatives are holding the Government to account on this point as European courts could intervene to impose early release of prisoners in the UK" said Councillor Versallion.

Proposed text of a letter to your MP can be found here:

European Union Treaty Referendum

Ms B. Hughes MP
House of Commons
London
SW1A 0AA

Dear Ms Hughes,

Labour MPs were elected on a manifesto promise that a Labour Government would hold a referendum on the European constitution. That promise could not have been clearer. It said: "We will put it to the British people in a referendum." Gordon Brown said: "We've got to honour that manifesto. That is an issue of trust with me and the electorate."

As one of your constituents, I am calling on you to ensure your Party honours its pledge, and gives the electorate a right to vote on this crucial issue.

Yours sincerely,

(Your Name)