Clegg Criticises Labour and Tories after they untie to block debate on Europe

3.00.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 5th Mar 2008

Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg today accused Gordon Brown of having "bottled it" over putting the case for UK membership of the EU and accused David Cameron of wanting to leave the EU but not having the courage to say so. The exchanges took place at Prime Minister's questions. MPs are today debating a Conservative proposal for a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty, as committee stage debate on the Treaty comes to an end. Yesterday afternoon, Labour and Conservative MPs united to block a Liberal Democrat proposal that would have enabled a debate today on a more fundamental referendum about whether or not Britain should continue as a member of the EU. It was defeated by 471 votes to 68.

Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg said "Last night's result simply confirms the determination of Labour and Conservative MPs to deny the people of Britain a real say over our future in Europe. The Westminster establishment is terrified of an open public debate over the EU, but the fact is that nobody under the age of fifty has been able to have their say on this crucial issue. The way to have that debate is not over the narrow issue of the Lisbon Treaty but on one simple question: in or out. I will continue to lead the argument for a referendum on our membership of the EU and will be proud to argue the case for our country taking a leading role in Europe."