Referendum results and local views

The views of three Eastleigh people and the BBC.

Maria Hutchings, Eastleigh Conservative Candidate writes:
"The 2nd March 2008 will be recorded in history books as the day people demanded democracy."

"The results of the I Want A Referendum Poll in Eastleigh were announced: "

"20,361 people voted (more people than voted for Eastleigh's MP Chris Huhne, and than voted in the 2007 local elections and the European elections). 18,370 wanted a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty. Over 90% were AGAINST agreeing the Lisbon Treaty which will give us less control over British affairs. "

"Only 10 constituencies in Great Britain were polled and Eastleigh came top in terms of wanting a referendum and not giving away more powers to Brussels. "

"I know that you care as passionately as I do about making sure we keep greater control over British policy. Anybody who says Eastleigh voters aren't that interested in the relationship between the EU and Britain couldn't be more wrong. "

"Chris Huhne promised you a referendum at the last general election but now he believes you should no longer have the right of a referendum. He has broken his promise. I am appalled by this and have urged him in the strongest terms do the honourable thing and vote for a referendum in Parliament."

"I am proud to British, proud of our traditions and of who we are and do NOT want to be controlled by Europe. I will continue the fight for the good of Britain, the people of Eastleigh and our children. "

Chris Rhodes, local Conservative writes:

"Mr Chris Huhne’s dismissal of the ‘I Want a referendum’ result in Eastleigh is breathtakingly arrogant and shows the contempt he has for his electorate. He also insults their intelligence by pretending that the Lisbon Treaty is not the same as the constitution, whilst other European leaders and the Foreign Affairs Committee, believe it to be virtually identical. "

"Mr Huhne quoted percentage of voter responses to justify his position but failed to mention the actual votes received. In the General election he polled 19, 316 votes yet on a pole, of about two thirds of the electorate, calling for a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty (EU Constitution) 20, 361 voted and of these 18, 370 called for a referendum."

"Huhne should remember that he is a servant of the people – not the other way round. His, apparent, intention to ignore this vote is yet another reason why politicians are so often held in contempt by their electorate."

The BBC website says:

"MPs have overwhelmingly rejected a Liberal Democrat attempt to force a debate on Britain's EU membership. MPs voted by 471 to 68 not to allow the debate. "

"The government and the Lib Dems say the treaty does not have constitutional implications, so a referendum on it is not needed."

"But the Conservatives, some Labour and Lib Dem MPs and the UK Independence Party, all say that it is effectively the constitution under a different name - so there should be a referendum.
Wednesday's vote in the House of Commons - expected in the early evening - is seen as the key vote in the EU treaty's progress through the UK Parliament. "

Conservative leader David Cameron says he hopes they can win - but said "a lot depends" on support from rebel Lib Dem MPs.

Kate Ross says:

"Chris Huhne and the other Liberal Democrats promised the electorate a referendum on the European Constitution. Tomorrow the debate on the Lisbon treaty concludes with a vote. Lib Dems should take the opportunity afforded to them at the end of the debate to vote with the Conservatives and others for a referendum on the Lisbon treaty."

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