Tory Turmoil

The big row in town at present is that between France and Germany over how best to try and resolve the problems of the eurozone. Failure to cobble together a compromise or  a decision which saves face for the loser in the negotiations could spell the end for the eurozone and indeed the EU.  For more information on the issues and stances being taken see my other blog: http://kentcommunityactivist.blogspot.com/

Compared to the above the turmoil within the Conservative Party over the issue of an EU referendum is small beer.  However, we should not seek to downplay it.  Europe has been a running sore through recent Conservative history and the House of Commons vote tomorrow is simply the latest eruption of anti-EU sentiment within the party.

In my opinion Cameron has made a serious error is not permitting a free vote on a backbench motion and therefore not binding on the government. Raising the stakes by the imposition of a three line whip will cause even more antagonism as the whips and government set out on the road to punish Tory MPs who defy the whips.

Below are links on the subject:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-2052049/Why-wont-Dave-British-people-vote-Europe.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2052356/EU-referendum-Tory-Patrick-McLoughlin-accused-bully-boy-bid-kill-vote.html
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/conservative/8843522/EU-referendum-Cameron-is-determined-to-face-down-his-backbenchers.html
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/david-cameron/8843830/Its-not-just-Europe-that-is-turning-Tories-against-David-Cameron.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-15420358
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-15384293
http://conservativehome.blogs.com/thetorydiary/2011/09/by-paul-goodmanfollow-paul-on-twitter-until-recently-there-have-two-main-euro-sceptic-voices-within-the-conservative-par.html
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/cameron-relishes-chance-to-show-rebels-whos-boss-2374671.html
http://conservativehome.blogs.com/platform/2011/10/the-time-for-promises-on-the-eu-is-long-over-only-deeds-will-do.html


Happy reading!