We want a referendum

Edward Benson

89% is a figure that would make even Putin blush. Surely there can be no clearer indication of the self-selecting nature of the voting group?

EyeSee

Edward; a bit like Socialists voting, because they know no thinking person would. Feed their own you see. But in this case it is the opposite of turkeys voting for Christmas. With anything more than kippers for brains, anyone not a politician (and so likely to do well out of the EU) could not vote for it. 89% shows there are a disappointingly large number of people who would eat glass if told to. But Peter, you miss the point perhaps. At what stage do you think the politicians misunderstood the strength of public feeling? Why would people vote for a return of Communism, just to provide and pay for, a politicians club? It is true Labour want the nation poorly educated and cannot be bothered to do the job they are paid for, but they are not stupid enough to think we have lost all reason. Else they wouldn't fear, with such titanic dread, a referendum.

Slim Jim

Of course, this will make not a bit of difference to Brown and his fellow traitors at Westminster. The decision has been made and short of civil unrest, they ain't going to budge! Next time they talk about restoring trust in politics, we must remind them of this perfidy. This, along with political sleaze marks the turning point for British politics. All eyes are now on the young Cameron and his chums, to see if they're going to break the mould. If they don't, we're all going to hell in a handcart.

Greg

Have the Lib Dems really underestimated the publci feeling on this one? If asked which referendum they would prefer one on Lisbon or one on in-out which do you think they would want? Will the Spectator back what the public wants? Watch this space

mike

Never met anyone who gives a rats. You really think folk care ? Silly bloggers. We proper folk worry about the price of gas, and petrol, and food. Get the picture daft lad ? We really don't want to be bothered with such things, that's why we elect governments, they do this stuff and we trust them. If we lose trust in them we vote for the other lot next time. The other lot would your lot,now you know they ain't got a cat in .....don't you ?

Nick Kaplan

Edward; I wonder if you are aware that the turnout at these mini-referenda (held in Labour and Lib Dem marginals) was over 36%, this is higher than the majority of local elections, the group was by no means narrow or self-selecting. Mike, your comments are self-contradictory, the reason why you should be concerned about the EU is because as you say we elect politicians to make decisions for us, the more power that is given to the EU the less control you will have over those who represent you, then where will you turn when we start to get laws you don’t like?

mike

Nick Kaplan where will you turn when we start to get laws you don’t like? Done it already, Poll Tax. Maggie out ! Maggie out!

Max Kaye

mike, How do you vote out the EU?

Ann

"Surely there can be no clearer indication of the self-selecting nature of the voting group?" -- spoken like a true 'Labour' hack. We know what's best for the serfs - if they disagree then they must be stupid. This is arrogance personified, the very foundation of this contemptible government.

Ann

"Silly bloggers. We proper folk worry about the price of gas, and petrol, and food" - more ignorant and arrogant nonsense. All the 'proper folk' (whatever this silly term means - but let's say it means everyone who is not super-rich and not a crony of this government) I know cares, and 99% of them want to be out of the EU right now.

Hugh

"Surely there can be no clearer indication of the self-selecting nature of the voting group?" It has been pointed out that this is actually a greater number of people in Harlow than voted for he sitting MP in the general election. Self-selecting or not, labour MPs in marginal seats have good cause to be concerned about them

Nick Kaplan

Mike; shouting Maggie out! Maggie out! (by the way it’s a sad fact that you ever felt this desire) is hardly going to help you remove the unelected bureaucrats who are making laws in the EU, so I ask again, if a law you did not like was passed by the EU what exactly would you do? Bearing in mind the pressure of defeat at the next election is not a factor entering in the minds of EU bureaucrats or, for that matter, politicians, as the electorate is so deeply divided no consistent or effectual vote could ever occur.

Nick Kaplan

Mike; shouting Maggie out! Maggie out! (by the way it’s a sad fact that you ever felt this desire) is hardly going to help you remove the unelected bureaucrats who are making laws in the EU, so I ask again, if a law you did not like was passed by the EU what exactly would you do? Bearing in mind the pressure of defeat at the next election is not a factor entering in the minds of EU bureaucrats or, for that matter, politicians, as the electorate is so deeply divided no consistent or effectual vote could ever occur.