UK Independence Party Henley

The Tories have finally admitted that their promise of a referendum on the EU Constitution/Lisbon Treaty is just so much hot air. UK Independence Party leader Nigel Farage said: “UKIP has been warning people for years that this was just a sham.”

The confession came from Tory leader David Cameron during a speech at Harlow, Essex. He said he would “probably” not be able to deliver a referendum on the transfer of sovereignty to Brussels because the damage would have been done before the next election.

Once the government signs up to the Lisbon Treaty, it will be “almost impossible” to hold a referendum, Mr Cameron said.

“We may have to say, well look, we’re not happy with this situation, here are some of the powers we’d like to have back. But we can’t give you that referendum on the Lisbon Treaty because it’s already been put in place across the rest of Europe.”

That will mean it is too late to reverse the handover of power even if the Tories win the next election, Mr Cameron added.

Nigel Farage said: “This just goes to show that you cannot trust any of the three old parties. Labour has reneged on its manifesto pledge of a referendum. The Lib Dems, having promised a referendum, now don’t know where they are. Finally, the Tories have admitted that their referendum promise is worthless.”

“UKIP is the only major party that has always told the truth about the EU and the threat it poses the sovereignty of the United Kingdom. We are the only major party that puts Britain’s interests first and is committed to withdrawal from the European superstate Brussels is creating.”

“We know that most people want a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty and we have always fought for it.”

“On Europe, UKIP is the only party in which voters can really have confidence. I urge the people of Henley to send a strong message to the Tories over this latest betrayal by voting UKIP in the by-election on 26 June.”