Shropshire Star

Ludlow MP Philip Dunne to fight for Britain to stay in the EU

Shropshire MP Philip Dunne has pledged his support to Britain remaining in the European Union during this summer's referendum – after the Prime Minister defended his position during a heated debate in the House of Commons.

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Ludlow MP Philip Dunne

Mr Dunne, MP for Ludlow, last night said he would be campaigning for Britain to stay in the EU in the vote on June 23. He said withdrawal would mean a real risk to the prosperity and security of Britain.

His support for Britain's position in the EU followed a debate in the House of Commons yesterday afternoon, where David Cameron appeared to take a swipe at Mayor of London Boris Johnson over reported leadership ambitions.

Mr Cameron dismissed an idea – said to have been floated by Mr Johnson – that a Leave vote could be a prelude to securing a better deal in a second referendum. He said his own pledge to step down at the next General Election meant he had "no agenda" other than the interests of Britain.

Mr Dunne, a defence minister, said while he had reservations about the EU, the deal secured by the Prime Minister offered key changes for Britain's membership.

He said leaving the EU would have an impact on defence and economic growth, in particular on jobs and investment.

"I am concerned that a Brexit would raise real risks for the British economy, deterring future investment, costing growth and jobs, especially while we attempted to renegotiate uncertain access to the single market," he said.

He said his Ludlow constituency is one of the most rural areas of England.

"I am extremely wary of the effect leaving would have on rural communities," he said.

"While EU regulation can be burdensome, I simply cannot see, were we to leave, a future Government of any political persuasion committing to maintain the same level of funding support which the EU provides to agriculture and rural development."

Montgomeryshire MP Glyn Davies said he had still to decide which way to vote, saying he would be consulting with constituents and party members at a series of meetings next month.

He said he hoped the meetings would also help other people decide by weighing up the pros and cons of EU membership.

Mr Davies said Britain's sovereignty would be the biggest factor when it came to making his decision.

"It is important that decision are made by people we know, who we can get rid of if we don't like the decisions, rather rather being made by people we don't know, by appointed officers we can't get rid of," he said.

Mr Davies said while Mr Cameron had worked hard to get the best deal he could in his recent negotiations, it would have little impact on how he would vote.

"These aren't the issues that concern me," he said.

"I can't fault the efforts of the Prime Minister has put in, but it's not critical to the way I will vote."

Shropshire MPs Owen Paterson, Lucy Allan and Daniel Kawczynski have stated their desire to back the Leave campaign, while Mark Pritchard supports staying in the EU.

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