MP URGES NEIGHBOUR TO VOTE FOR REFERENDUM

Eastbourne MP Nigel Waterson has written today to his parliamentary neighbour Norman Baker urging him and other Liberal Democrat MP's to vote today for a Referendum on the Lisbon Treaty. Full text below:

Dear Norman
I hope you will not mind my writing to you as my parliamentary neighbour about today's crucial Vote on whether there should be a Referendum on the Lisbon Treaty.

You and I (as well as Labour) both fought the last General Election on manifestos which promised a referendum. And on any view the Treaty makes major changes to the relationship between the UK and the EU.

I am urging you to cast your vote today for a Referendum. It is what the British people were promised and what they deserve. It would be a gross abandonment of the democratic principle if the Government were able to get away with this. No wonder many voters have lost faith in politics and politicians.

If a significant number of Liberal Democrats defy Nick Clegg's instruction to abstain on this important issue, then we might defeat the Government and ensure the British people have their say.
Best wishes

Nigel Waterson