MPs to debate UK leaving the EU
A Conservative MP has tabled a private Members Bill aimed at releasing the UK from the European Union, describing the relationship as like "being shackled to a corpse".
The proposal from Douglas Carswell saw the Commons debate the validity of an exit from the union. Britain signed up to what was then the European Economic Community in 1972, and has since participated in both free trade and political governance with the other nation states.
Beginning the debate himself, Mr Carswell attempted to legitimise his views. He said, "It is no longer a marginal view confined to mavericks,". A willingless for the UK to extricate itself is “starting to go mainstream," he argued.
Carswell is among a number of Tory backbenchers who make no secret of their eurosceptic views. Only last year 81 MPs ignored the advice of party whips to vote in favour of a referendum, and their views can only have been bolstered by the continuing financial decline evident on the continent.
High profile cabinet ministers appear to be increasingly disillusioned with the party line. In a recent interview with the Mail on Sunday, Education Secretary Michael Gove warned the EU to "give us back our sovereignty or we will walk out".
Despite describing himself as “not satisfied with the status quo,” the Prime Minister remains against an in/out referendum.
He said, "Many people … do not want us to leave altogether because of the importance of the single market to Britain, a trading nation, so they don't want to be out.”
If enforced, Mr Carswell’s bill would repeal the 1972 act and allow ministers to scrap any legislation imposed by Brusells.
However, unless they have the support of top government Members Bills rarely pass into law. Carswell, MP for Clacton, admitted this, but hoped that in initiating debate ministers would be able to plan "the mechanics of withdrawal” for what he believes is an inevitable exit.
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