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 | |
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.[1] 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."[1]
Notable supporters
Since its launch in May 2013, it has attracted support from a number of councillors, MPs and party activists.[2]
- 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