PM Cameron To Fast-Track Britain’s EU Membership Referendum To June 2016

Although 10 Downing Street has refused to comment further The Independent on Sunday reports their source insisted that fast-tracking the vote to June 2016, including the bill needed to approve that, would not be blocked by Parliament. The election manifesto and the Queen’s Speech promised the EU membership referendum “before the end of 2017″, the House of Lords would be unlikely to block any necessary legislation under those circumstances.

 

Chancellor George Osborne was understood to be keen for the referendum to be held later rather than sooner, believing that maximised the chances of securing the best possible deal. Cameron disagrees. He calculates a 2016 vote gives him a better chance both of promoting what will likely end up being only a very limited package of European reforms, and of highlighting what he sees as the economic risks of leaving the EU.

 

The timing is also said to favour other member states, as a June 2016 date would prevent Britain’s reform demands becoming a divisive political issue in the French presidential and German federal elections, both held in 2017.

 

Read More: PM Cameron To Fast-Track Britain’s EU Membership Referendum To June 2016 – Breitbart