Tory MPs are expecting a serious rebellion on the European Union referendum bill which could, depending on Labour’s position, defeat the government.
The eurosceptic case has been boosted this morning by the Electoral Commission deciding to support two rebel amendments on purdah. New Clause 5, tabled by Labour, and amendment 78, tabled by Sir Bill Cash, both attempt to introduce a purdah for the campaign period.
Steve Baker, the leader of the Conservatives for Britain group, said:
‘The Electoral Commission is with us, I have got colleagues contacting me this morning to add their names to support the amendments to the extent that if Labour votes against, we could win.’
Labour’s position on the legislation is not yet clear.
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