MP Soames defends £9.3m spending on pro-EU leaflets

A Government decision to spend £9.3m on delivering pro-EU leaflets to every home in the country has been defended by Mid Sussex's MP.
Mid Sussex MP Sir Nicholas SoamesMid Sussex MP Sir Nicholas Soames
Mid Sussex MP Sir Nicholas Soames

In the House of Commons yesterday, Sir Nicholas Soames ‘warmly welcomed’ the leaflets which he argued would inform the UK of the Government’s position in the run up to the June referendum.

Minister for Europe David Lidington defended spending on the production of the 16-page leaflet, which will be sent to millions of homes, and accompanying website, with a total cost of £9.3m.

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The leaflet has been attacked by members of the Leave campaign as a ‘crazy waste of money’ and ‘propoganda’.

Sir Nicholas said: “I have received many inquiries from constituents who are eager to know more about the Government’s position, and I warmly welcome this decision.

“Outside the incestuous hothouse called the Palace of Westminster, and under the baleful influence of much of our dismal press, almost all grown-up sane opinion will want to know what the Government’s position is and how they intend to present their case.”

Earlier in the debate Mr Lidington said: “Whether the United Kingdom should remain in or leave the European Union is a huge decision for this country.

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“It is right that it should be a decision for the British people as a whole.

“Equally, it is right that people have the facts in front of them and understand the reasons for the Government’s recommendation before they go to the polls.”

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