Press Release..."Unlikely Bedfellows."

From left: Fiona Hall MEP, Stephen Hughes MEP, Martin Callanan MEP and Neil Herron Director of The Peoples NO Campaign.

Press Release

The People's No Campaign

1pm 9th June 2005

"Unlikely Bedfellows."

Labour, Liberal Democrat and Conservative MEPs Join The People's No Campaign's Calls for a Referendum

Stephen Hughes, the Labour MEP, Fiona Hall, the newly elected Liberal Democrat MEP and Conservative MEP Martin Callanan all for the North East, have joined in with The People's No Campaign's calls for the Government to hold a referendum on the European Constitution. Regardless of the decision at the European Council next week, all are in favour of having a full and frank debate about our relationship with the European Union. We will create the platform for that debate and we fully expect the three North East MEP's to attend to make their case.

Stephen Hughes (MEP Labour) said that there needed to be a proper campaign and debate on the constitution, including a referendum.

He said: "Unless a real campaign begins there is a real danger that our referendum campaign will be about - just as it was in France - everything except the content of the constitution."

Fiona Hall (MEP Lib Dem) said: "I would like us to go ahead with the British referendum on the Constitution. It would enable us at long last to have an intelligent and informed debate about Europe."

Conservative MEP, Martin Callanan, states, " I have no problem with a referendum especially if it stops Blair introducing some of the provisions of the constitution by the back door. I would very much look forward to joining Fiona, Stephen and Neil on a platform in the North East to put the issue before the public."

The People's No Campaign spokesman, Neil Herron states, " It is great to see both Stephen and Fiona along with Martin joining in our call for a referendum to go ahead. It is also important, and they are all in agreement, that we must have the debate about our relationship with the European Union despite Blair running scared. We will therefore be arranging a public meeting in the North East at a mutually convenient time where we can have our own referendum debate and where Stephen and Fiona can make the case for the EU and the case against made by Martin and Neil."

Time and location to be confirmed.

Time and location to be confirmed.
ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1. The People's No Campaign is a non / cross-party coalition demanding a referendum on our relationship with the EU and actively campaigning for a No vote.

2. The team behind the campaign have biggest ever referendum success against the Government in the North East elected assembly referendum.

3. Websites of the three MEP's are http://www.stephenhughesmep.org/ and http://www.fionahall.org.uk/ and http://www.martincallanan.com/

CONTACTS:

Neil Herron
0191 565 7143 (Direct Line)
07776202045 (Mobile)

The People's No Campaign
0845 147 2006