Christian Holliday, conservative councillor and adamant Brexiteer, has launched a petition calling to make supporting EU membership a treasonable offence.

In what appears to be an effort to antagonise so-called “remoaners”, rather than to actually instigate reform, Holliday posted the petition to Parliament’s website on 15 October. It has since attracted over 1,200 signatures.

The petition suggests the 1848 Treason Felony Act should be amended, with the inclusion of the following ‘offences’: “To imagine, devise, promote, work, or encourage others, to support UK becoming a member of the European Union.

“To conspire with foreign powers to make the UK, or part of the UK, become a member of the EU.”

Paul Spooner, Conservative leader of Guildford Borough Council, promptly suspended Holliday, before branding the petition “illogical nonsense from someone who clearly needs support.”

Most critics have met the “Orwellian” proposal with mockery and condemnation. However, some have warily suggested that the incident reflects a growing frustration amongst some Brexiteers at those who maintain pro-European sentiments. A recent petition demanding the removal of EU flags from government buildings garnered 20,000 signatures, whilst many claim that ‘remainers’ rigged the petition for a second referendum.

Holliday’s petition has been removed from the Government and Parliament website. A campaign calling for his resignation swiftly took its place.

Alexander Jones

(Image: Getty Images)