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European Union

Conservative MPs Challenge Cameron's Authority on EU Membership

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A divided Conservative party, the major partner in Britain's ruling coalition, has forced a debate and vote in the House of Commons on whether the United Kingdom should remain a member of the European Union (EU). The move is the most serious challenge to Prime Minister David Cameron's authority since he became party leader six years ago. Despite a three-line Whip to oppose the motion, right-wing MPs, including some junior ministers, are defying party leadership, citing public opinion and economic concerns.

Key Takeaways:

  • A significant number of Conservative MPs, nearly a quarter, are challenging Prime Minister David Cameron's authority on EU membership, forcing a debate and vote in the House of Commons.
  • The motion, if passed, would require a referendum on Britain's continued membership in the EU, a move opposed by the government.
  • Conservative backbencher David Nuttall claimed that "two-thirds" of the British people want to pull out of the EU, a sentiment shared by many right-wing MPs.
  • The debate is the most serious challenge to Cameron's authority since he became party leader six years ago and the biggest backbench revolt of his 17-month premiership.
  • Prime Minister Cameron argued that Britain's national interest is to be a part of the EU, helping to determine the rules governing the single market.
  • Conservative backbencher Bernard Jenkin stated that the public has not been consulted on the issue of Europe for more than 35 years and that Cameron is taking on public opinion.
  • Labour leader Ed Miliband criticized Cameron, stating that cutting Britain off from its biggest export market makes no sense and that the prime minister only has himself to blame.

Statistics:

  • Nearly a quarter of the 300-odd MPs in Britain's Conservative party are challenging Prime Minister David Cameron's authority on EU membership.
  • The UK's Conservative party has had a significant divide on EU membership since it tore apart the party in the 1990s.
  • David Nuttall claimed that "two-thirds" of the British people want to pull out of the EU, a sentiment shared by many right-wing MPs.

Sources:

  • [TNN London, 23:32, Monday, 13 January. Ashis Ray]

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