JOHN Glen has explained why he voted against a referendum on the EU on Monday.
The MP described himself as “a strong Eurosceptic by instinct”, adding: “I am sure Europe does not always work in the British interest, and I believe that changes to Europe need to take place urgently.”
But he said the solution was not as simple as holding a referendum or simply pulling out. A vote to leave would offer “false hope” when quitting was not practical.
Other options needed to be costed and considered as soon as possible.
Monday’s debate was on a backbench rather than a government motion, he added, and given LibDem enthusiasm for the EU the coalition would never get it through Parliament.
Mr Glen said: “I favour sensibly timed, properly impact-assessed reclaiming of powers from Europe – then a referendum at a later date.”
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