PM 'running scared' over EU vote

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The leader of the Commons faced a series of hostile questions from Tory MP in the chamber today as the government moved forward the date of a debate on a national referendum.

The backbench business committee had granted time for a debate on an "in/out" referendum on withdrawal from the European Union requested by Tory MP David Nuttall.

Sir George Young told the House that the debate "would be enriched by the presence of the foreign secretary".

"He is available on Monday. He is not available because he is at the Commonwealth heads of government meeting in Australia on Thursday.

"That is why we have brought forward the debate to next Monday and I think the House should welcome a debate which will be addressed by the foreign secretary."

Shadow Commons leader Angela Eagle condemned the decision to move around next week’s business at short notice.

"With 59 Conservatives already declaring their intention to defy their leader, reports of at least five ministerial aides on the brink of resignation, isn't this proof of a growing Tory mutiny that has the prime minister running scared, the whips office in a panic and a Government split from top to bottom?" she asked.

"If you thought you could have got away with it, you would have scheduled this debate on Sunday evening during Songs of Praise."

Sir George faced a series of hostile questions from Tory backbenchers.

David Nuttall asked if the government will recompense people who had planned to come to parliament on Thursday and lobby for a referendum.

Sir George said there is not reason they should not still come on Thursday and make their views known.

Mark Reckless welcomed the foreign secretary’s presence at the debate on Monday, as he would be able to “report the good news to our Commonwealth partners” later that week.

Mark Pritchard asked for a debate on whipping of backbench business, as all three major parties have now introduced a three line whip for Monday’s debate.

"Is it any surprise that the British public are increasingly frustrated that this place is more out of touch than ever on the European question?" he asked.

Sir George pointed out to Tory MPs that there was “nothing in the manifesto on which I stood which mentioned an in or out referendum”.

Philip Davies said: "Now is precisely the right time to be holding a referendum on the EU."