Benyon backs Cameron in party revolt over EU

MP for Newbury: "Now is not the right time for the debate on Europe"

A CONSERVATIVE party revolt over a vote on membership of the European Union has been brushed off by the MP for Newbury Richard Benyon.

More than 80 Conservative MPs defied the orders of Prime Minister David Cameron, who imposed a stringent three-line whip on party members to ensure compliance, effectively putting their careers at risk in backing a referendum on Britain's membership of the European Union.

Mr Benyon voted against the referendum said he did not share the view Mr Cameron had lost control of the backbenches, despite the revolt almost doubling the previous biggest Conservative rebellion over Europe in 1993 when 41 Tory MPs defied John Major over the Maastricht treaty.

“I totally respect people who have the view that we should get out of the EU I respect their views and in some examples share some of their opinions but I do not share their belief that we should get out,” Mr Benyon said.

“I think that it would be damaging for the future of Britain to do that now, and I am happy to have this debate with anyone.

“It was a simple choice for me and I am never afraid to put the view of the Government to the people. I think that it is entirely the wrong time to give an answer of “in or out” now when reform is needed.

Mr Benyon said the EU was in a mess as countries such as Greece and Italy experienced enormous financial difficulties, and that Britain had an important role to play in sorting out the problems first as its own economy was hugely dependent on the fate of its European neighbours.

The six-hour debate on the issue, which Mr Benyon described as “feisty”, saw many Conservative MPs criticise Mr Cameron for imposing the three-line whip on the vote, and triggered the resignation of two junior ministers.