London seeking to change EU referendum rules in a concession to Eurosceptic MPs
UK government is seeking to change its rules on campaigning in UK’s EU referendum in a concession to its Eurosceptic lawmakers.
Based on the government’s planned rules, there would not be restrictions on the ministers’ way to campaign in the run up to the referendum.
Critics believe that the rules enable pro-EU campaign to take advantage of the “machinery of government.”
The government is now expected to outline the changes in amendments being tabled to the EU Referendum Bill.
Prime Minister David Cameron says suspending the rules will allow the government to continue dealing with EU matters during the referendum period.
According to the state-funded BBC, the existing rules were set out in legislation passed in 2000. They prevent ministers, departments and local authorities from publishing any "promotional material" arguing for or against any particular outcome or referring to any of the issues involved in the referendum.
EU membership has long been a hot topic in Britain. Eurosceptics, who believe the UK would be better off outside the political and economic union, seek the UK's withdrawal from the EU. Various polls have indicated that the British public is divided on the issue.
BBC reported earlier that the government is considering holding the referendum as early as April 2016.
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