Vote shows need for big question on EU referendum

5.00.00pm GMT Sun 2nd Mar 2008

Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne said that the result of the postal ballot on an EU referendum vindicated his call for a real choice for local residents including the Liberal Democrat question.

Mr Huhne said: "The very low turnout in this ballot - with fewer votes in favour cast than for the Conservatives alone in Eastleigh at the last election - show that it was a mistake for the campaign to refuse to ask the Liberal Democrat question too.

"The Eastleigh result shows that only 25.5 per cent of the electorate voted, and just 23 per cent of the electorate voted for a limited Tory-style referendum.

"Most people want a referendum, but I believe a large number want a choice over the big question of whether we stay in or leave the European Union rather than over one modest treaty change.

"We promised a referendum on the EU constitution, which wrapped up all the past treaty changes that were pushed through without a vote by the Conservatives, and an in or out vote would be closest to that.

"This amending treaty is just 44,000 words long compared with 157.000 words in the Constitution, which would have replaced all the other treaties" said Mr Huhne. "The only reason the Conservatives do not want a big vote is because they know they would be split from top to bottom if it was held".

ENDS