BOTH Thurrock Labour candidates have come out in support of the stance, Labour leader, Ed Miliband has taken over the EU referendum.
In a speech in London, the Labour leader said there was an “overwhelming economic case” for EU membership.
But he said he did not back an “inexorable” process of political union and Labour would “guarantee” an in-out referendum if the UK was being asked to transfer more powers to Brussels.
Thurrock candidate, Polly Billington said: “I welcome Ed Miliband’s commitment to an in/out referendum on the EU if there were any further powers going to Brussels. It means we can have a choice on what matters for the country not a distraction cooked up to deal with Tory splits on Europe.
“And we can focus now on what really matters: dealing with the cost of living crisis families are struggling with in thurrock, creating quality jobs for our kids and building homes in a community we can be proud of.”
South Basildon and East Thurrock candidate, Mike Le-Surf said: “Once again Labour are taking a clear approach to EU membership while others pander to Ukip scaremongering. The Tories have cast a huge doubt over future membership of the EU creating uncertainty and affecting markets with their pledge to hold a referendum in 2017.
“The Lib Dems are resorting to desperate tactics by attempting to make this year’s european elections an “in or out” issue and falling directly into Ukip’s EU trap. Labour will go into the next election promising an in/out referendum, but only if a Labour government wants to sanction a transfer of power to Brussels. The next Labour government will legislate for a new lock and there would be no transfer of powers from the UK to the EU without a referendum on our continued membership of the EU. Partnership working rather than working in isolation is Labour’s approach.”
