Eurosceptic Tories threaten a revolt over campaign spending
EUROSCEPTIC Tories have threatened to inflict a defeat on David Cameron next week by backing curbs on Government spending during the EU referendum.
Up to 40 Conservative rebels will vote with Labour to make sure the in/out poll is fought under the same rules as General Elections.
They insist that the month before the referendum must be a ‘purdah’ period, during which ministers cannot use public money or civil servants’ time to campaign for Britain to stay in the EU.
Ministers had tried to quietly ditch this rule for the vote – which could be held as soon as autumn 2016 – saying it could interrupt the work of Government. But the move triggered furious accusations from Euro- sceptics that Mr Cameron is attempting to ‘ rig’ the poll by using Whitehall’s vast resources for a pro-EU campaign blitz.
MPs expressed concerns about public money being used to fund glossy pro-EU brochures commissioned by the Government, landing on the doorsteps of every voter.
Labour has introduced an amendment for debate on Parliament’s first day back one week today, which states that the Government will have to observe purdah apart from specific exemptions put to MPs in advance.
One senior Eurosceptic Tory said: ‘Everyone is surprised the Government hasn’t found a solution yet. If they don’t come up with something reasonable and address the point raised, it is facing defeat.’
Mr Cameron now has a week to win over rebels with his own proposals to avoid a damaging defeat in the Commons.
The controversial plans to ditch Section 125 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act, which covers the 28 days before a poll, were outlined by Europe Minister David Lidington in June.
He told colleagues in a letter that he thought the purdah period ‘unworkable and inappropriate’, as it could stop ministers carrying out ordinary day-to-day business. The Government has insisted it would not use the change in the rules to campaign in support of one side or the other in the EU poll.