LIB DEMS CALL FOR EURO REFERENDUM

2.56.20pm GMT Mon 11th Feb 2008

Local Liberal Democrat candidate Stephen Gilbert is calling on the Government and Conservatives to back the campaign for an "in or out" Euro referendum.

The Lib Dems say a referendum would be an opportunity for the public to determine whether Britain should continue to be a member of the European Union or not.

"There has been a debate on our role in Europe for many years without people having the chance to express their opinion" said the St Austell & Newquay Parliamentary candidate.

In November, when the House of Commons last had a chance to vote for an "in or out" referendum the Conservatives joined with the Labour Government to reject the proposal.

Stephen Gilbert added: "Not everything is perfect with the EU, but it has delivered many positive benefits. In Cornwall we've benefited from Objective One funding and there's been better environmental protection and strong measures to tackle international crime.

"But the EU has changed beyond recognition since the last referendum in 1975. No one under the age of fifty has had the opportunity to vote on our role in Europe.

"Personally I want the UK to stay in Europe, but whatever our individual views we should all be able to agree that the people must have their say."

Note

Labour and the Conservatives voted together on Wednesday 14th 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.