The vast majority of Labour and Lib Dem MPs stayed away from the debate, dismissing the whole European Union (Referendum) Bill as a parliamentary "stunt".Don't make too much over the fact that no one was willing to vote against a "stunt," but it does speak to the electorates mood if not a single MP was willing to oppose a referendum.
However, not a single MP actually voted against the Bill for fear of alienating the electorate, as the party leaders fear many voters are anti-Europe.
Pro-EU politicians will need to use tactics to win this battle as they are holding the low ground and their position is eroding by the day. The best strategy, which Cameron has been foolish not to use, is the one of calling early elections. He should have held a referendum two or three years ago, when the outcome would have likely been close, but pro-EU. Now, time is on the side of the euroskeptics and their best strategy is for pro-EU politicians to continue delaying a vote.
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