DOUGLAS Carswell has backed a backbench Conservative’s bill for an in-out referendum on Europe.

He supported the European Union (Referendum) Bill, put forward by Tory Bob Neill in Parliament on Friday.

Speaking in Parliament, Mr Carswell said: “The case in favour of an in-out referendum is overwhelming. As UKIP’s first elected Member of Parliament, I can say that UKIP MPs can always be counted on to support an EU referendum.

“UKIP MPs are both willing and able to vote for an in/out referendum.”

He added: “Parliament needs to assert itself over the executive and is doing so.

“The sort of mandarins who advise the Prime Minister on the sofas in Downing Street might not fancy an EU referendum.

“This House must assert itself over and above them. I am delighted to back the Bill.”

The Bill is intended to make a referendum on Britain’s future with Europe legally binding.

The Bill is expected to be on the statute books before the General Election.

Speaking to the Gazette, Mr Carswell added: “When we joined what became the EU, we thought it was going to be a prosperous trading block, but it turned out to be a cramped and crowded customs union – it’s failing.

“Our future lies with trading with the world, so we have got to get out of the EU to do that.”