'˜Eurosceptic' Morecambe MP backs David Cameron over EU referendum

David Morris told the Commons he was “standing by the side” of David Cameron ahead of the EU referendum on June 23.

Voters will go to the polls on that date to decide if the United Kingdom should remain as part of the European Union.

Speaking during a debate on Monday, Mr Morris said: “There is nobody in this House more Eurosceptic than myself, but I am standing at the side of the Prime Minister on this one, because the Prime Minister has always stood by me and my people in Morecambe.

“In my constituency, we have the port of Heysham, through which 10% of our GDP (Gross Domestic Product) passes, most of it from Northern Ireland. We also have two EDF nuclear power stations, which are sponsored by the French Government. I do not want jobs to be lost in my constituency, especially as its unemployment rate is the lowest it has been for generations.”

Mr Cameron then replied: “I certainly agree that this is about jobs and about livelihoods. My hon. Friend stands up very well for his constituents. I remember visiting not that long ago, when we looked at the Heysham link road. I even hammered a rivet into one vital bridge; I just hope it survives.”

In 2013, Mr Morris signed an amendment to the Queen’s speech at the House of Commons calling for a referendum on the UK’s membership to the European Union.

Mr Morris said at the time: “Unfortunately, the European Union as it is now has evolved into an organisation that has an impact on almost everything, creating far too much red tape.”

The Conservative party is split on the issue with more than 100 Tory MPs backing the ‘Brexit’ campaign to vote in favour of leaving the EU.

Meanwhile Cat Smith, the Labour MP for Lancaster, said she would also be voting to stay in the EU.

“I’ll be voting to stay in the European Union, because I believe that’s best for workers rights, consumer rights and for the environment.

“Here in Lancaster where we have two good universities based, it’s important for academic relationships to look internationally too.

“But I don’t think the EU is everything it could be, I would like to see a Europe where the people come first, not big money and big business which is sometimes how it seems.”

British, Irish and Commonwealth citizens over 18 who are resident in the UK, along with UK nationals who have lived overseas for less than 15 years, will be eligible to vote on June 23. Members of the House of Lords and Commonwealth citizens in Gibraltar will also be eligible.

People will be sent a card telling them when voting takes place and where they should go to vote.