Tory MP Adam Afriyie Wants Early EU Referendum

By Jon Craig, Chief Political Correspondent

The Conservatives have been plunged into new turmoil over Europe after rebel MP Adam Afriyie announced plans to force a Commons vote on holding an EU referendum next year.

The millionaire Tory MP, who earlier this year was accused of plotting to oust David Cameron, said he would table an amendment to the Bill before Parliament which proposes a referendum in 2017.

He claims voters do not trust the Prime Minister to deliver on his pledge to hold a referendum in 2017 and that delaying until then will build support for the UK Independence Party.

The MP's move is reported to have created panic in Number 10, with allies of Mr Cameron insisting it would not be allowed to pass "in any circumstances". A spokesman added: "The PM will not let it stand."

Adam Afriyie announced his plans in an article for the Mail on Sunday

Mr Afriyie's amendment will call for an "in-out" EU referendum on October 23, 2014, the anniversary of the Battle of El Alamein in the Second World War. It is likely to be debated when the 2017 referendum Bill returns to the Commons on November 8.

Writing in the Mail On Sunday, the rebel MP said: "The fact is, the British people are not convinced there will be a referendum at all if we wait until after the next General Election.

"So many things can change. They don't understand why we can't have one right away - and that makes them suspicious.

"Many people think delaying the vote is just a tactic to allow all the political leaders to kick the can even further down the road."

James Wharton says the move would delay or even 'kill' the Bill

Downing Street hit back by releasing a statement by James Wharton, the loyalist Tory MP whose private member's Bill proposing a 2017 referendum is supported by the Conservative Party leadership.

"Every additional amendment makes it harder and means it will take longer for the Bill to pass," said Mr Wharton.

"This amendment would make it far more difficult to navigate the challenging procedural hurdles we need to overcome - and I hope its sponsors might rethink their approach.

"The timing proposed by this amendment is flawed, coming so soon after the Scottish referendum. We need to build as broad a base of support for the Bill as we can if we are to get it through Parliament and the policy of a renegotiation, followed by an 'in-out' referendum, is the right one to do that and the right one for the country.

"I hope MPs will decline to support it as the ultimate impact might be to kill my Bill, which would only help those who don't want any referendum at all."

Mr Wharton's European Union (Referendum) Bill was passed without opposition in the Commons in July after Labour and the Liberal Democrats stayed away from the vote.

But many Tory MPs are expected to be attracted by Mr Afriyie's amendment. In May, 115 Conservative MPs backed a rebel amendment to the Queen's Speech criticising the failure to include a referendum bill in the Government's legislative programme.

In his Mail On Sunday article, Mr Afriyie said: "It's in our national interest to resolve this issue as soon as possible to create the certainty and stability our country needs for the future.

"Only by setting an early date can we kick-start EU renegotiation talks and give the British people what they so clearly want - a say on our country's future with Europe.

David Cameron faces a fresh backbench challenge to his EU policy

"The political establishment are naturally hesitant, but we have nothing to fear by giving people a chance to have their say, either way, on our future relationship with Europe."

And openly challenging Mr Cameron, he added: "In reality, the British people are unsure whether the Conservative leadership would be able to stick to its promise of holding a referendum after the election, especially if in coalition once again.

"Many MPs from across all the main parties want an EU referendum in 2014. But for the Conservative Party, I believe the dangers of waiting are significant.

"Mainstream politicians continue to underestimate and dismiss the power and significance of populism - currently expressed in the form of UKIP votes.

"Because at the heart of a populist movement is a legitimate concern unacknowledged by the political establishment.

"By holding an early EU referendum, we would have recognised, embraced and addressed those concerns."

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