Labour for a Referendum

Labour for a Referendum

Formation	13 May 2013
Type	Political movement
Purpose	The holding of a referendum on Britain's continued membership of the European Union
Location	Westminster
Region served	United Kingdom
Key people	John Mills (Chairman) Dominic Moffitt (Campaign Director)
Website	Labour for a Referendum

Labour for a Referendum (LFR) is a political campaign by members of the Labour Party that seeks a referendum in the United Kingdom on the European Union. The movement was set up following a pledge by the Conservative Party to hold an in-out vote if re-elected in 2015.

Directed by Dominic Moffitt and chaired by John Mills, with cross-party support from 50 councillors, three council leaders and MPs including Kate Hoey and Keith Vaz, the campaign aims to put pressure on the Labour Party to hold a vote to secure a victory in the General Election in 2015. Former Northern Ireland spokesman Jim Dowd MP said: "I have been a supporter of this cause for many years and firmly believe the Labour Party must commit to a referendum before the European elections next year. As the Tories tear themselves apart over this issue, Labour for a Referendum provides the opportunity to unite the party on giving the people a say on our future in the EU."

Notable supporters

Since its launch in May 2013, it has attracted support from a number of councillors, MPs and party activists.

• Jim Dowd MP, MP for Lewisham West and Penge and former Northern Ireland spokesman
• Keith Vaz MP, MP for Leicester East and former Europe minister
• Kate Hoey MP, MP for Vauxhall
• John Cryer MP, MP for Leyton and Wanstead
• Rosie Cooper MP, MP for West Lancashire
• Graham Stringer MP, MP for Blackley and Broughton
• Austin Mitchell MP, MP for Great Grimsby
• Lord Moonie, Member of the House of Lords
• Dr Eoin Clarke, founder of the LabourLeft
• David Drew, former MP for Stroud
• Kevin Meagher, associate editor of Labour Uncut
• Owen Jones, Independent columinst
• Richard Wilson OBE