Stringer makes his Eurosceptic views well known

Manchester's Labour MP and former leader of the council Graham Stringer made his views on Europe very plain this morning on Radio 4's Today programme.

The member of Blackley and Broughton told the programme that he was against Ed Miliband's stance that Labour MP's should vote with the government against the amendment on a European referendum.

He made clear his views about having a referendum saying that as all three party's had at some time put the issue in their manifestos,it was rather stupid that the country shouldn't be allowed to vote.

However in comments which will surely upset his leader Ed Miliband,he said that the European union as one of the factors in causing economic instability around the world and that now was the right time to discuss whether we should be part of it.

If Britain left he added it means that we would not have to find money to subsidise it any longer.

The former Labour whip said that the issue of Europe had been put to sleep by his party and there was no longer the consensus for debate that there is in the Tory party.

However he added that it was changing and there was a duty for the opposition to oppose the direction that the government was taking us in over Europe.

The government has announced that there will be a debate on the issue in the Commons on Monday as David Cameron finds himslef under increasing pressure from the right of his party to acceed to a referendum

Tory revolt on referendum is rolling on

It appears that the Tory right's revolt over Europe is gathering pace this morning.

I wrote yesterday about the rumour that 50 Tories are expected to defy the whip if party chiefs demand they oppose a vote on links with Brussels next week.

Earlier today,Mark Pritchard, the secretary of the 1922 Committee,said he would defy a three-line whip to vote in favour of an in/out referendum on EU membership.

The Times is now reporting that the MP's signing a motion calling for a referendum on Europe rose from 46 to 59.

Most worrying,at least for David Cameron is that

many from the 2010 intake, such as Caroline Nokes, Matthew Offord, Justin Tomlinson, Mike Weatherley, Sarah Wollaston, Andrew Bingham, Nick de Bois, Chris Kelly, David Mowat and Stephen Mosley have signed.

Tory divisions open once again over Europe

Two questions at PMQ's and now it seems Tory backbenchers are revolting once again over a European referedum.

David Cameron made it very clear earlier today that he will not be giving the option on a vote as to whether we should stay in Europe despite being threatened with the ghosts of Mrs Thatcher and Winston Churchill.

Now it appears that, at least, according to the London Evening Standard,50 Tories are expected to defy the whip if party chiefs demand they oppose a vote on links with Brussels next week.

On top of that says the paper,

the Standard has been told that ministerial aides could resign to back a referendum in the Commons vote next Thursday.
A cross-party coalition has secured a debate calling on the Government to hold a referendum on Europe giving voters three options: to leave the EU, remain a member on existing terms, or re-negotiate membership towards a trade-based relationship.