Wednesday 13 November 2013

FIRST VOTE ON THE EU IN 40 YEARS


 
Almost 40 years has come and gone since we last had the chance to have our say on the European Union. A large proportion of the population has never had the opportunity to vote on membership. It is such an important issue that for years has continued to divide opinion, and I believe that it's about time the Great British public were given their say again.
 
The Conservative EU Referendum Bill which guarantees an In/Out referendum in 2017 continued its passage through Parliament this week, and I am very proud to be both voting for it and co-sponsoring it. I began campaigning for a referendum long before I was elected because I firmly believe that it is right thing to do. We must let people have a say.
 
Unfortunately some people don't agree. The Labour Party continues to oppose the Bill and in doing so, is refusing to entrust the British public with this decision. With such an important piece of legislation  on the table, I just can't understand Labour's unwillingness to give people a voice. I would very much like the Labour candidate for the area to justify his Party's ongoing reluctance and to clarify his own position.
 
To be clear, if this Bill passes, we will get a referendum in 2017. This issue is about far more than Party politics; it's about doing what is right and giving people a voice. Isn't that the very basis of the democracy of which we are so rightly proud? I very much hope that this Bill passes through Parliament and I'll be backing it all the way over the coming weeks and months. It will however need lots of support and you can voice yours by e-mailing:letsouththanetdecide@gmail.com 

15 comments:

  1. This really needs to be put to bed so this country can move forward knowing where its future lies. For too long it has been a political pawn, used by parties to oppose each other and even within parties to damage unity. It has even given rise to a virtual single issue party still further complicating the political scene. As such it is indeed time for the people to decide as the politicians are not in unison.

    It worries me that some in politics oppose a referendum almost as though the public cannot be trusted to make the right choice. There is no right or wrong choice, ultimately it must be what the majority of the electorate want for that is democracy. The for and against issues can all be debated in the run up to the referendum as the people of Scotland are currently doing over the union.

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  2. I agree with William. there should be a vote and there should be a discussion. Let the people decide!

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  3. it's not that people can't be trusted, it's that they are lied to by the likes of driver.

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    1. Ian doesn't lie about his name or location.

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    2. But you cannot prove that JH does either, Peter. All this Arizona stuff is pure speculation for just a while back Smudger reckoned he was a local politician. He has also been a photographer in Medway, so you have something in common, he has been to Battersea Power station, used to live by Biggin Hill, was sacked by Tesco, is a landlord with tenants in Gravesend and a Labour councillor at TDC. Take your pick. Hunt the hammy has about as much credibility as your suggestion of the Chubby Chaser.

      Incidentally, there are 221 William Epps listed in America on line and one of them has just been arrested for armed robbery. Perhaps I am a secret gunfighter as well.

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    3. You're like Pavlov's dog William. You can't help coming to to Hammy's defence, you're trained to do so.

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    4. It is not defence, Peter, but a desire for factual credibility. Wherever he lives or whatever his name does not change what he writes on his own or other blogs, but all this 'hunt the hammy' stuff is just childish. Surely it would be of far more interest if he was a local politician seeking to put a slant on things or criticise opponents than if he is somebody living in Arizona having a bit of fun at us simple Thanetians' expense. You suit yourself which option you prefer but just remember there is no proof.

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    5. Incidentally, Peter, Pavlov investigated the gastric function of dogs. It is war dogs or those used by service police that are sometimes trained to defend. It may surprise you to know that I am not the slightest bit interested in John Hamilton's, or any one else's, gastric function, but I hope yours is functioning OK. Do you find you have a lot of saliva just before your food is due because dog's do. That is what Pavlov found out.

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    6. Just call it "a hunch", just as I know who the Chubby Chaser is.

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    7. Now how would you know that, Peter, since you only invented the term yourself a couple of days ago? Who is chubby and why would anyone chase him/her since, presumably, they cannot run very fast and it would not be a lot of fun? By the way, credible though a hunch may be it is not proof.

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    8. What kind of response is that, Peter, or is it simply that this is just more speculation on your part. You simply don't know because, if you did, you of all people would be telling us all about it. In case you did not notice, poor old Hercule Poirot died last night, so clues are pretty useless now.

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    10. Interesting point that about Hercule, for one could argue that with the last good thing to come out of Brussels gone, it is probably an opportune moment to examine whether we want to be ruled from there any longer.

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  4. "Peter ChecksfieldThursday, 14 November 2013 11:02:00 GMT

    Ian doesn't lie about his name or location. "

    that would appear to be the only thing Driver and I will ever have in common cheggers.

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