EU poll ‘ gag’ on ministers
DAVID Cameron offered concessions on EU referendum rules to backbenchers last night to try to head off a Tory revolt.
He agreed to re- impose so- called “purdah” restrictions on Government communications during the referendum campaign.
Critics feared taxpayers’ money could be spent on supporting the case for staying in the EU. But Tory Europe Minister David Lidington last night said: “We are absolutely determined to make sure that the referendum is seen by both sides as fair.”
The changes nevertheless include exemptions to allow statements on issues such as responses to European Court of Justice judgments, EU announcements and European rule amendments. Earlier, senior Tory MP Sir Bill Cash welcomed the shift on the “purdah” rules but said he was waiting to examine the details.
A senior Downing Street source said: “It was never our intention to allow taxpayers’ money to be used for campaigning.
“What is important is that the public have a real choice in the referendum.”