STROUD MP Neil Carmichael has thrown his weight behind the Prime Minister David Cameron in the European Union (EU) referendum campaign.

The Conservative MP, who is the chair of the pro-EU group Conservative Europe, welcomed the referendum announcement, saying he would be doing everything in his power to make sure the UK votes to 'stay'.

It was announced on Saturday that Britain will vote on whether to remain a member of the 28 nation bloc on Thursday June 23.

Carmichael, who backs the Stronger In campaign, said he was “absolutely delighted” with the package of reforms that the Prime Minister had achieved in Brussels.

“I think we have emerged from these negotiations with an important deal which will leave the UK in a stronger position within Europe,” he said.

“This deal is good for UK economic growth, national security and global leadership. I agree with the Prime Minister that Britain will be safer and stronger within the EU.”

He also welcomed the emergency migration break, changes migrant welfare benefits, and the reduction of excessive regulation and extending the single market, saying the deal laid the groundwork for future progressive reforms of Europe.
 

As a key part of Stronger In, the Tory MP said the campaign would focus on the “huge benefits” the EU had on the whole of Britain.

“We are confident we have a strong campaign and a strong argument to make,” he said. 

“We’ve seen from the polls that the majority of the British public are in favour of staying within a reformed Europe – and that’s what we’ve achieved.

“Nonetheless we have to make sure that we get ahead in the polls and stay ahead. We can’t be complacent.

“That’s why I’ll be working incredibly hard over the next few weeks and months to make sure we vote to remain in the EU.”

His backing comes as the size of the rift within the Conservative party on Europe was made clear by the announcement from London Mayor Boris Johnson that he would support the Leave campaign.

At least 144 other Conservative MPs will also defy the Prime Minister and vote for a ‘Brexit’, including six Cabinet Ministers.

Mr Carmichael acknowledged the party held “strong and divided views” on Europe and certain “fault lines” were beginning to emerge with the division of the Cabinet.

He went on to call for a “careful and mature” approach in the debate.

Another politician from Stroud, Molly Scott Cato, the Green Party speaker on economy and finance, also announced her party’s backing of the IN campaign.

“Greens want Britain to remain a part of the EU because we believe that we need to work together on shared solutions to the collective challenges we face,” she said.

“Climate change, the pollution of our oceans, terrorism and the refugee crisis shows no respect for borders and require collaborative and cooperative solutions.

“So far the vital question of whether our future lies in Europe seems to have been debated mainly by middle-aged men in suits - a dull prelude ahead of the main feature in which we now all get a starring role and everyone gets an equal say.

Stroud News and Journal:

“We all know that The EU is not perfect. But we need to stay in it to reform it.

“The referendum is a chance to have a conversation about how another Europe is possible.

“Let’s talk about how corporate influence and the power of global finance can be curtailed and the institutions of the EU can be made more democratic and accountable to the citizens of Europe.

“It’s a unique opportunity to re-establish a Europe by the people and for the people.

“I share the concerns of those who believe the European project has been running ahead of what the people of the UK and Europe as a whole are comfortable with. However, I still believe the European story should be celebrated; countries with different histories and cultures, benefitting from unprecedented peace and stability and working together for the common good.”

The referendum date announcement comes after renegotiations on the UK's relationship with Europe were finalised after intense wrangling at a two-day summit in Brussels.

The agreement, which will take effect immediately if the UK votes to remain in the EU, include changes to migrant welfare payments, safeguards for Britain's financial services and making it easier to block unwanted EU regulations.

Many Conservatives have announced they will back the leave campaign including Mr Cameron's long-time ally, Justice Secretary Michael Gove.

According to the latest opinion polls, the British public are thought to be fairly evenly split.

Mr Cameron will set out his stall in the House of Commons later today (Monday February 22).