Letter to the press - October 2007

SIR - The recent articles by Labour MPs on why Britain must have a vote on the EU treaty shows how this issue cuts across political boundaries. The idea that the only people who care about Britain's future as an independent self-governing nation are right-wing Tories is a convenient media stereotype that could hardly be further from the truth.

We should not give up the fight for a referendum. In 2005 MPs from all the main parties stood for election on a commitment to hold a vote on the constitution, and we all know this reheated treaty is no different. Those of us, myself included, who live in constituencies which returned a Labour MP should write to them asking why they are now retreating from this promise. They should not be allowed to treat us with such contempt and get away with it.

Yours sincerely,

Martin Callanan MEP
Conservative
North-East England