The Student Room Group

Unite union Labour's biggest financial backer demand party offer EU referendum

Unite whilst supporting an In vote, today will say that the Labour party have not been critical enough of the EU and that Labour have to offer the public an EU referendum for the 2015 election. Given the sway Unite have over Labour and the fact it is the largest Labour donor could this have an effect? will other unions also demand a referendum from Labour?

https://au.news.yahoo.com/world/a/24366276/trade-union-unite-to-urge-labour-to-back-eu-referendum-ft/
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/a765dbce-0139-11e4-9750-00144feab7de.html#axzz36HwA7Gsb
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/uk/unite-to-debate-eu-referendum-30400065.html

Could this be a turning point? will Labour have to offer one?
Reply 1
Never mind about Unite, I think the whole country is too.
We will see now whether Labour still jump when they are told to by the unions or whether they have got some backbone.
Original post by MagicNMedicine
We will see now whether Labour still jump when they are told to by the unions or whether they have got some backbone.


It really is a no-win for Ed isn't it? He can either ignore the will of the people or jump to the Unions' tune.

Labour really don't want to offer a referendum and this is unlikely to persuade them. They may yet be forced to though if the public clamour starts hurting them in the polls.
Reply 4
Original post by Rinsed
It really is a no-win for Ed isn't it? He can either ignore the will of the people or jump to the Unions' tune.

Labour really don't want to offer a referendum and this is unlikely to persuade them. They may yet be forced to though if the public clamour starts hurting them in the polls.


As Lord Ashcroft highlighted in his polling some time ago, only 6% of people intend to vote with the EU as their primary issue. He will pick up plenty of voters who hate the Tories more than the EU sadly.
If Labour offer a referendum they'll win the election.
After the unions made the decision to back Ed Miliband rather than David when it comes to deciding what's best for the future of the party its probably best to ignore them.
Can't be a good thing if it is something the unions want.

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