Readers may remember that I recently mentioned that I had instigated two personal ‘initiatives’ with a view to taking to task both Cameron and the supposed eurosceptic organisations on ‘matters EU. . For the moment I wish just to deal with the latter of those two.

On Sunday last the following email was sent to Robert Oulds, Bruges Group; Edward Spalton, Campaign for an Indepependant Britain (CIB); Simon Richards, The Freedom Association; Matthew Elliott, Business for Britain; Marc Glendenning, Democracy Movement; Robin Tilbrook, English Democrats; and Rory Broomfield, Better Off Out

It is now apparent that should David Cameron win the forthcoming general election in 2015 with an outright majority a referendum on this country’s membership of the European Union will be held towards the end of 2017.

In any event, it is also obvious that treaty change will be on the agenda during the life of the next parliament which will involve the transfer of more power to the European Union. Regardless of which political party forms the next government of this country, it will also necessitate a referendum under the terms of the European Union Act 2011.­

As a private individual it appears to me that the anti-EU movement need to be speaking with one voice so that come the time of any referendum the ‘Out’ campaign should have agreed on a strategy which thus ensures that the campaign will be structured and well planned.

Currently the anti-EU groups seem to be sending out mixed messages; ones which, in turn, then present a similar mixed message to the electorate. It is obvious that if the ‘wrong’ message is presented, it could well alienate those who would support the cessation of this country’s membership of the European Union. It is my opinion that for a referendum to be won by the ‘No side, it will be necessary for certain matters to be decided upon.

First, it is essential that an exit plan be devised and agreed, one capable of reassuring the majority of voters – and business – that the UK’s economic interests are protected, together with access to the Single Market; and that we can thereby leave without any problem to business and without precipitating an economic crisis.

Second, the ‘No’ campaign will have to unify behind that plan – at least, a sufficient number that would convince the Electoral Commission that such a group is the best candidate to run the official “out” campaign, and thereby dictate the tone and conduct of the fight.

Third, it is necessary that alliances are built and a campaigning network created which, when submissions are made to run the “out” campaign, will give substance and credibility to any joint application. Only then would any submission stand a serious chance of securing a successful bid.

If started now it will, I estimate, take the best part of two years to get to that point, as long as those involved work hard.

In view of the foregoing I write to inquire whether you would be prepared to attend an exploratory meeting to discuss a common ground whereby the creation of a grouping of like minds, agreeing to work together, can be formed; and who would then be able to bring about that for which we all wish.

Needless to say, at present there is no venue or date envisaged for such a meeting, although the earlier it can be held the better. Purely as an aside, perhaps it might be possible, if a majority of addressees interested in such a meeting as I suggest are in provisional agreement, one of them with offices in central London might feel able to act as host of such an initial, exploratory, meeting.

I look forward to your response in due course.

With kind regards,

David Phipps

At the time of writing replies are awaited on behalf of the CIB, Democracy Movement and English Democrats.

Robert Oulds, on behalf of the Bruges Group, responded that he would be happy to attend such a meeting.

The following response was received from Simon Richards, The Freedom Association:

Dear David,

Thank you very much for your message.

The Freedom Association, and its Better Off Out campaign, have always co-operated closely with, and had friendly relations with other like-minded anti-EU groups. Once the elections to the European ‘Parliament’ are out of the way, we shall be actively seeking to build on those relationships, in readiness for a possible future EU referendum.