Press releases
19/09/07
EU Treaty: North West ramps up campaign
EU Treaty referendum campaign ramps up in North West
A national cross-party campaign, demanding a referendum on the EU Constitutional Treaty, is cranking up its activity in the North West.
Over the summer the ‘I Want a Referendum.com’ (IWR) campaign has been marshalling support and planning stunts and events in the region ahead of a major showdown when parliament returns from the recess in October.
IWR North West chairman Alan Halsall, chairman of Silver Cross, said the region is a vital area for the campaign with its 7m strong population and its £106bn economy.
“If we are going to secure a referendum we need the support of businesses and families here in the North West,” he said. “We want to hear from people who are prepared to fight for a referendum and our right to have a say. MPs of all political parties were elected on a pledge to hold a referendum on the EU Constitution. In the coming months we will be building a formidable coalition across the North West to ensure that our local MPs think twice before trying to go back on this promise.”
Birkenhead Labour MP Frank Field, an IWR advisory group member said:
“There is a large gap of cynicism between the electorate and us. They do not think we are interested in their views. Here is a chance to narrow that divide. We should seize it with both hands.”
Manchester Blackley Labour MP Graham Stringer, who also sits on the IWR advisory group, said:
“This is a matter of trust with the people. It was in the Labour manifesto. There is virtually no change between the original Constitution and this Treaty therefore there should be a referendum.”
People wanting to know more about the EU Treaty and/or register their support for a referendum can visit www.iwantareferendum.com or email: info@iwantareferendum.com
IWR North West media contact: Ben Pinnington, Artemis Media & Public Affairs, on 07887 562900 or ben@artemismedia.co.uk
North West views:
Alistair Sim, managing director of Manchester based design agency LOVE, said:
“We need a referendum campaign so the public knows clearly what the EU Treaty is about. It is an issue of fundamental importance. At the moment most people are probably not clear on what it means. Whether you vote yes or no in a referendum the public should be given the facts first. People need to be able to make an informed decision.”
Mike Graham, managing director of Cumbria based catering equipment specialist G & M Supplies in Whitehaven said:
“I am in favour of a referendum. We need to be masters of own destiny. It is our right after so many years in Europe to make our own judgement about its future powers over us.”
Notes to editors
1) The IWR advisory group includes members of all the main parties: Derek Scott (chair); Graham Stringer MP; Gisela Stuart MP; Mike Hancock MP; Frank Field MP; Kate Hoey MP; Michael Gove MP; David Heathcoat Amory MP; Greg Hands MP; and Nick Herbert MP.
2) A Yougov poll of 1,000 trade union members in September found that the overwhelming majority, 73 per cent, believed that the Government should hold a referendum on the revised Constitutional Treaty. The poll, for I Want a Referendum.com, found that the Government could lose key supporters in the next election if it refuses to let people have a say.
42 per cent of respondents agreed that "It would be bad for trade union members like me if more decisions were taken at the European level in Brussels" – roughly twice as many as the 18 per cent who thought it would be a good thing.