Haltemprice & Howden MP David Davis denies people a vote on Europe

9.50.00pm GMT Mon 19th Nov 2007

David Nolan Liberal Democrat campaigner

Liberal Democrats in Haltemprice & Howden are calling on Conservative MP David Davis to explain to his constituents why he voted to stop them having their say on Europe.

Labour and Conservatives voted together on Wednesday 14th of November to deny the public a crucial vote on whether or not the UK should remain in the European Union. A Liberal Democrat amendment to the Queen's Speech laid out proposals for a referendum on the UK's continued membership of the European Union.

Local Liberal Democrat campaigner David Nolan said. "Labour and the Tories have rejected our call for the public to vote on the UK's membership of the EU. David Davis MP joined with the Labour and Conservative leadership to block the people from having their say."

"Membership of the E U is hugely positive for Britain. Cheaper goods, better environmental protection, increased freedom to work and live abroad and a stronger framework for tackling international crime are just a some of the benefits. But the EU has changed beyond recognition since we last had a referendum in 1975. No member of the public today under the age of fifty has had the opportunity to vote on the crucial cumulative changes that have taken place over the last few decades. It is time the people were given a fresh chance to vote on whether we stay in or get out of Europe."

"The case for a referendum to endorse or reject, Britain's membership of this very different EU is overwhelming and the Liberal Democrats will be proud to lead the pro-European case."

"It is disappointing that Labour and Conservatives joined forces to defeat the call for the people to have a referendum. David Davis must now explain to the people of Haltemprice & Howden why he has denied them a say."