The EU referendum looks set to be held next year – it’s now a question of whether it’s in the summer or autumn. Today’s Times reports that Whitehall is preparing for a referendum next June, if EU leaders are on side with David Cameron’s proposed reforms at December’s European Council meeting. The Prime Minister is set to deliver a speech at the CBI today, where he will describe the vote as ‘the biggest we will make in our lifetimes’ and will say the decision isn’t about whether Britain can ‘survive outside’ of the EU but whether it ‘adds to our economic security or detracts from it’.
Eurosceptics think the pre-briefed portions of the speech and the floated date interesting, as both have nothing to do with the ongoing renegotiations. Rob Oxley of the Vote Leave campaign says:
‘It’s revealing that everything coming out of No.10 is about processology — the date, not the renegotiations. They don’t want to talk about the new deal because there is no substance to it.’
A spokesperson from Stronger In campaign said they are ready a vote at any time:
‘We’re ready for the vote whenever it comes.
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in