Council's '˜disrespectful' EU vote WILL go ahead - one day after Brussels attacks

MK's Lib Dem group seem to disagree over EU motion

The timing of a council vote over the EU referendum has been branded 'disrespectful' following the deadly terror attacks in Brussels yesterday.

Despite backlash from Conservative councillors, Lib Dem Sam Crooks will tonight move a motion urging councillors to vote in support of remaining in the European Union.

He proudly said: “We shouldn’t give in to terrorism”.

The move was slammed as “inappropriate” by Tory councillors, who say it is wrong to debate the issue so soon after 31 people were killed in explosions in a Belgium airport and Metro station.

Conservative group leader Councillor Edith Bald said: “Considering the tragic events in Brussles yesterday, it is inappropriate to go ahead with this debate.

“It is disrespectful to the terror attack victims - as the Lib Dems try to play politics with the issue.”

The controversial motion has since prompted a rift in MK’s Lib Dem Party, as councillors disagree about whether to go ahead with the vote.

Councillor Chris Williams posted on social media that he had asked his colleague Mr Crooks to withdraw the motion.

Mr Williams then pledged to throw out the debate if it went to a vote.

His group leader Councillor Douglas McCall told the chamber: “There are so many European businesses in Milton Keynes, which provide hundreds of jobs for local people, therefore it is absolutely vital that this is discussed.

“MK’s future is linked with the future of the EU.”> The Citizen broke this story earlier. Read it here.