Event to raise cash for EU vote
10:39am Tuesday 12th February 2008
BUSINESS leaders will meet this evening to support a gala which will cover the cost of the EU LisbonTreaty referendum being held in Ruth Kelly's Bolton West constituency this month.
The North-west committee of the "I Want a Referendum", (IWR), campaign aims to raise thousands of pounds for the cause by hosting the event.
IWR North West chairman Alan Halsall said there is considerable unease among businessmen about the impact the EU Treaty could have on firms: "Many of the leading figures in North-west business will be attending the function," he said.
"We intend to give people a voice and a chance to have their say. The treaty transfers massive powers to Brussels and Ruth Kelly must now defend the decision to not to hold a referendum as promised in Labour's 2005 general election manifesto.
"We hope as many people as possible in Bolton West return their postal votes - and make their voice heard."