EU referendum: Rebels lose vote in Commons

[dutchman]

MPs have rejected a call for a referendum on the UK's membership of the European Union, despite a significant rebellion against Prime Minister David Cameron.



The motion was opposed by the Conservatives, Lib Dems and Labour, yet 111 voted for the motion, 483 against.

Before a five-hour debate, Mr Cameron told MPs it was the wrong time for a referendum and urged them not to rebel.

Two ministerial aides, who joined the rebellion, look set to lose their jobs.

The Commons debate on the issue was prompted after a petition was signed by more than 100,000 people.

The motion called for a referendum on whether the UK should stay in the EU, leave it or renegotiate its membership.

The government was expected to win easily - and even if it had lost, the result would not be binding on ministers.