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Cameron opens up Tories to civil war
PM gives party a free vote and Labour urged to follow suit
JEREMY CORBYN faced unlikely calls yesterday to follow David Cameron’s example on the European Union referendum and allow shadow cabinet ministers to campaign for a British exit.
The Prime Minister potentially fired the starting gun on a Tory civil war by giving his ministers the green light to openly back either side in the run-up to the referendum, which will be held by the end of next year.
The contentious announcement was cynically sneaked out by Downing Street sources as the media focused on Labour’s shadow cabinet reshuffle in a bid to minimise a damaging public spat.
It could see Home Secretary Theresa May clash with Chancellor George Osborne in a prelude to a battle to replace Mr Cameron as Tory leader.
Critics said Mr Cameron’s decision made him look weak and warned the move would increase the prospect of Tory infighting.
Alan Johnson, who is leading the Labour in for Britain campaign, criticised Mr Cameron for putting “internal Conservative issues” ahead of “our economic future.
“While the Tories are divided on Europe, Labour is clear that Britain’s national interest is best served by campaigning for Britain to stay in the EU,” the former home secretary said.
Officially, Labour’s shadow cabinet is united behind the Remain campaign, but the Star has reported that at least two members privately support an exit left from the European Union.
Mr Corbyn himself has expressed concerns about pro-privatisation legislation passed by the EU, as well as the threat of workers’ rights being watered down .
Labour Leave secretary Brendan Chilton told the Star: “We call on the Labour leadership to allow the shadow cabinet and all members of Parliament to have a free vote in this referendum.
“A lot of Jeremy Corbyn’s policies cannot be put in place under our current membership.
“If members want to campaign to leave, that’s not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength and confidence that people can campaign on either side and come back together as a strong united Labour Party after the referedum.”
Labour Leave is formally launching its campaign with an event in London on January 20 and an event in Scotland 10 days later.
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