Dave and the death of democracy

If Scotland can have referendums on devolution and independence, I don't see why the United Kingdom can't have a similar ballot on our relationship with the European Union.

Since the last referendum on Britain's membership of the EEC (as it then was) in 1975, there have been two referendums on Scotland's relationship with the rest of the UK, the first in 1979, the second in 1997. Another referendum, on Scottish independence, has been promised by 2015.

Membership of the EU is far more important to most people in Britain than devolution or an independent Scotland. Is that why the prime minister doesn't trust the people to vote on it?

Frankly, I would expect the pro-EU establishment to win a referendum on the UK's membership of the EU for the same reason that I expect the majority of people in Scotland to reject independence – fear of the unknown or the perceived risks of 'going it alone'. (In Scotland's case I believe those risks are genuine, but if the majority want to take that risk good luck to them.)

The fact that the political establishment is afraid to debate our membership of the EU and then allow people a choice says everything we need to know about the ruling elite in Britain today.

So much for democracy.

PS. The MP behind the motion for a referendum on Britain’s future relationship with the EU is none other than David Nuttall.

David also proposed last year's 10-Minute Rule Bill to amend the smoking ban. He has attended several Forest events in the past year including Stand Up for Liberty! in Manchester on October 4.