Russell backs call for vote on Europe

12.00.00am GMT Tue 26th Feb 2008

Bob Russell MP addressing the European Parliament

Colchester MP Bob Russell today (Tuesday) said that he would be backing a Motion in the House of Commons this evening which calls for a Referendum on Britain's continued Membership of the European Union.

Mr Russell's name appears alongside all 63 Liberal Democrat MPs in support of such a Referendum.

He explained: "There has been a lot of talk about whether there should or should not be a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty which Parliament has been debating for the past month, but that is of less significance than the whole principle of whether or not we should remain members of the EU. We have not had referendums in the past on European Treaties, even under Conservative Governments.

"However, it is 33 years since we had a Referendum on Britain's membership. I think it is long overdue for the British people to have a fresh say on this important matter, particularly since everyone under the age of 50 has not previously had a chance to vote on whether Britain should continue to be a member of the European Union."