Tories call for EU treaty vote

MPs across Shropshire want the people of the county to fight for a referendum over the new European Reform Treaty.

It is hoped that a grassroots campaign for a vote will lead to a nationwide impact on Gordon Brown.

Wrekin Conservative MP Mark Pritchard has written to four town and parish councils in his constituency asking them to consider arranging their own EU Referendums.

He claims Gordon Brown is "breaking a cardinal promise to the British people".

The MP has written to Wellington, Newport and Shifnal town councils and Albrighton Parish Council, asking each to support him in "trying to give local people a sovereign voice".

In his letter the MP confesses that he is an "arch-Euro-sceptic", but also states that the issues contained within the Treaty "go far beyond the constraints of mere party politics".

He helped launch of a cross-party national campaign at the Houses of Parliament - calling for a national referendum.

Ludlow Tory MP Phillip Dunne agreed with Mr Pritchard and said a national referendum should be binding on the Government.

"If Gordon Brown fails to do so then local referendums are a good way of letting the public express their view."

Owen Paterson, Tory MP for north Shropshire, said asking Shropshire councils to have their own referenda was "an excellent idea" describing the current situation as "a complete scandal".

"The parish councils should use the powers they have to call a referendum," he said.

Telford's Labour MP David Wright said: "People complain about Parliament not doing its job, but this is exactly the kind of thing that Parliament should consider in a parliamentary democracy.

"A local referendum carried out by the local authority would cost tens of thousands of pounds and would, in my view, be a waste of money."

Shrewsbury's Tory MP Daniel Kawczynski said the demand for a referendum was the most important issue we face today. He said: "If this treaty goes ahead we might as well pack up in Parliament as it will be the start of being run by Brussels.

"We are going to have a stall in The Square trying to get awareness going for it and a petition. I am trying to get as many letters and signatures as possible to present to Parliament and force Gordon Brown's hand."

Lib Dem MP for Montgomeryshire Lembit Opik was unavailable for comment today.

By Rhea Parsons