Cameron Revolt 'Humiliation' – Miliband

The Leader of the Labour Party has called Monday night's Conservative backbench revolt a "humiliation" for the Prime Minister.

During a vote on whether the Country should be offered a referendum on the UK's continuing inclusion in the embattled European Union, some 79 Conservative MPs voted against the PM's strict instruction, calling for a referendum to go to the people.

Despite the rebellion, the rest of the house defeated the motion, with only 19 Labour MPs also voting for the motion and one Liberal Democrat defying their party's opposition.

However, David Cameron's authority will be hurt by the result, which represents one of the biggest Conservative rebellions on Europe ever.

Responding to the results this morning, Labour Leader Ed Milliband said the Tory rebellion was a humiliation for the Prime Minister before asking how the Mr Cameron can win arguments that matter for Britain if he can't win them with his own backbenchers.

"Tonight confirmed that the Conservatives are more interested in fighting each other than fighting for Britain in Europe. They are a divided party looking inwards not outwards at the needs of the country.

"Just when the Government should be trying to get jobs and growth for Britain, the Tory party is once again tearing itself apart over Europe."

Mr Cameron told his party ahead of the vote that the Conservative party fought the last election committed to three things: stopping the passage of further powers to the EU; instituting a "referendum lock" to require a referendum for any transfer of powers from Parliament; and bringing back powers from Brussels to Westminster.

"All three remain Conservative Party policy," Mr Cameron said.

The PM told his party that leaving the EU entirely was not Conservative policy at the election and was not their policy now.

"This is not the time to argue about walking away… Legislating now for a referendum, including on whether Britain should leave the EU, could cause great uncertainty and could actually damage our prospects of growth.

"Fundamental questions are being asked about the future of the Eurozone and therefore the shape of the EU itself. Opportunities to advance our national interest are clearly becoming apparent."

"The time for reform is coming. That is the prize. Let’s not be distracted from seizing it."

It is as yet unclear what effect the rebellion will have for David Cameron's leadership, but the BBC's political editor, Nick Robinson, suggested that it may be a sign of growing frustrations within the Conservative backbenches.

"They don't like the compromises of coalition. They don't like the frustrations of life with little prospect of promotion. And they don't like facing boundary changes, re-selections and a tight squeeze on their expenses."

Mr Robinson said that one cabinet minister told him after the vote: "The well of goodwill on the backbenchers has run dry."

(DW/BMcC)