REGIONAL MP Edward Leigh MP used the debate on the Queen's Speech to highlight the concerns of Lincolnshire people he feels are going unheeded in London.
Regarding a referendum on the European Union, Mr Leigh, who represents Caistor and Market Rasen, said: "We should have a serious debate on the issue.
"This is not Conservative Members of Parliament obsessing about Europe – this is a real issue for people. It is no longer a dry as dust issue."
He attacked those who slandered the motivation of those who are worried about EU immigration, continuing: "People in Lincolnshire are not closet racists.
"They welcome Polish, Lithuanian, and Latvian people, but they want their public services to be supported when, on the coast of Lincolnshire, public services are overwhelmed.
But he pointed out that Europe was not the only matter of concern for people in Lincolnshire.
"In the middle of my constituency, the Government is erecting wind turbines more than 150 metres high – taller than the highest point in the Lincolnshire Wolds.
"They are paying £100 a year, and the money is going straight into the pockets of rich farmers.
"That all adds to people's sense of alienation."
Meanwhile, both he and Cleethorpes MP Martin Vickers rebelled against their own Government by backing a motion calling for a referendum on the UK's membership of the European Union.
ON THE WEB: Read more about the motion at www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk