Prime Minister David Cameron has come under renewed pressure over Europe as backbench Conservatives launched a bid to force a vote next week on demands for a referendum.
Downing Street insisted the PM was “relaxed” about the move, and even hinted Mr Cameron may be prepared to tolerate ministers lining up behind an amendment tabled by eurosceptics who want legislation on the EU referendum before the general election.
His official spokesman insisted Mr Cameron had “always said he is very happy to look at all ways of strengthening his commitment to an in/out referendum in the next Parliament”.
Asked if the Prime Minister would be “relaxed” about ministers supporting the amendment he said: “You are fast-forwarding to a vote next week.
“The Prime Minister is relaxed about that, I think the implication of that is clear.”
The amendment, tabled by Tory MPs John Baron and Peter Bone, does not demand legislation on a referendum, but “respectfully regrets” that no bill was included in the Queen’s Speech, which set out the Government’s legislative agenda for the coming year.
Some 100 Tory MPs signed a letter last year calling for legislation to pave the way for a referendum, though fewer than that number are likely to vote for the amendment if it is selected by Speaker John Bercow during debate on the Queen’s Speech next week.