Burnham-On-Sea’s MP has this week voted against a controversial parliamentary motion calling for a referendum on whether the UK should stay in the EU, leave it or renegotiate its membership.
Tessa Munt decided to toe her party’s line by opposing the motion in a crucial House Of Commons vote.
Despite a sizeable rebellion by Conservative MPs, Prime Minister David Cameron comfortably defeated attempts to bring about a referendum on Europe.
All Tory, Lib Dem and Labour MPs were instructed to oppose the motion. In all, 483 fell in line, while 111 defied party whips, giving a majority of 372.
Labour leader Ed Miliband claimed the revolt, which could see two ministerial aides resigning, was a “humiliation” for Prime Minister David Cameron.
But in a statement to the Commons, Mr Cameron insisted he remained “firmly committed” to “bringing back more powers” from Brussels, although on demands for a referendum, he said the timing was wrong amid an economic crisis and that Britain’s national interest was to be part of the EU.
The Commons debate on the issue was prompted after a petition was signed by more than 100,000 people.
