Shropshire Star

Glyn Davies MP is still on fence over EU vote

Weeks after the EU referendum polarised opinion, one MP in Mid Wales continues to leave the door open to both sides of the debate.

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Glyn Davies, Conservative MP for Montgomeryshire, today said he remains undecided on how to vote on June 23.

He says he would not be revealing whether he's "in or out" until he's consulted with party members and listened to constituents.

Montgomeryshire MP Glyn Davies

He said: "It's a really difficult decision, and it's no secret that I'm pretty Eurosceptic.

"Anyone who has tried to find out my views on EU membership over the last 50 years will know that, so I could vote leave but it isn't as straightforward as that.

"It's not an easy decision and a lot of people feel they want more facts and more information first, and I think the more you know, the more you realise you actually didn't know. You see there's an argument both ways.

"Before making any decision I want to give all party members a chance to say what they think and I feel I owe it to local people to listen to what they have to say. After all if it wasn't for the party members and my constituents I would not be an MP. They are the ones who selected me then re-elected me. I owe it to them."

Despite facing a storm of questions from the media, Mr Davies insisted he would not be pressured into revealing his decision until closer to the vote itself.

Ahead of June 23, Mr Davies said he will hold as many community meetings as possible with constituents who want to discuss the pros and cons of both options, as well as hosting a meeting with party members this Saturday in Welshpool.

Last month Mr Davies called on fellow party members to stop bickering over Europe before it turns into a mayhem-filled "bun fight".

At the time he said: "Such disagreements exist in all political parties, but the demons in my Conservative Party released by the in/out EU referendum threaten to escalate to mayhem.

"I do hope not, but whatever, it's a bun fight I won't be joining – much though I enjoyed bun fights at YFC social events when I was in my teens. Luckily, I grew up and calmed down – advice I offer to some of my colleagues."

Details of the politician's community meetings will be released in the coming weeks.

Mr Davies's delay in making a decision is in contrast to his Conservative colleagues in Shropshire, who have become divided over Europe.

Daniel Kawczynski, Owen Paterson and Lucy Allan have all thrown their weight behind the leave campaign.

Mark Pritchard and Philip Dunne have announced they will campaign for Britain to stay in Europe.

The referendum is threatening to divide the Tory Party amid warnings that, whatever the outcome, it will leave a large proportion of MPs and members disgruntled.

David Cameron last night insisted he will not resign if Britain votes to leave the EU.

He responded following speculation that, if the public rejects his EU reform package and votes to leave, he will be too badly damaged politically to carry on and will be forced to go.

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