Foreign Secretary William Hague has urged Tory MPs not to vote for a referendum on the UK remaining in the EU, saying it would be a distraction.
On Monday, MPs are due to debate a motion which calls for a referendum to be held on UK membership of the EU. Writing in the Daily Telegraph Mr Hague said solving the Euro zone finance crisis should be the priority.
He said a referendum would add to economic uncertainty when businesses need all the certainty they can get.
Mr Hague, a prominent Euro-sceptic, wrote: As a Conservative, I want to bring powers back from Europe, as we set out in our election manifesto.
But a referendum on Britain's membership of the EU, especially at this time of profound economic uncertainty, is not the answer.
The foreign secretary added: Nothing would do more to help our economic recovery than a resolution of the Euro zone's difficulties, while its disorderly break-up would have a very serious impact on our economy.
The Conservatives, the Lib Dems and Labour will all ask their MPs to oppose the motion calling for a referendum to be held on UK membership of the EU.
The motion calls for a referendum by May 2013 and says the public should have three options put to them in the nationwide vote - keeping the status quo, leaving the EU or reforming the terms of the UK's membership of the EU.
Campaigners for a referendum are due to hold a day-long meeting in Westminster to try to gather public support.
A large number of MPs are expected to back the proposal, which was put forward by Tory MP David Nuttall, although a vote in favour would not be binding on the government.
In the coalition agreement, the Conservatives and the Lib Dems, a traditionally pro-European party, agreed to ensure that the British government is a positive participant in the European Union, playing a strong and positive role with our partners.
On Friday, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said it was the worst time for a debate about Britain leaving the EU as a firestorm engulfs the Euro zone.
Labour leader Ed Miliband has said the prospect of a referendum would create further economic uncertainty and urged David Cameron to show leadership” rather than make concessions to his backbenchers.
Top Comments
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