Prime Minister accepts recommendation to change EU referendum question

The Electoral Commission said a 'yes/no' skewed question could cause bias. Credit: PA Wire

Video report by ITV News' Chris Ship

The Prime Minister has accepted a recommendation by the election watchdog to change the wording of the EU referendum question.

The Electoral Commission has suggested that the wording for the future EU referendum should be changed to a more open question due to perceived bias.

The current proposed question - 'Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union?' and a 'yes/no' answer could be unbalanced, the watchdog said.

It suggested changing the question to 'Should the United Kingdom remain a part of the European Union or leave the European Union?' and changing the ballots to 'Leave the EU' or 'Remain a member of the EU'.

Downing Street said today David Cameron has accepted the recommendation for the referendum due to take place before the end of 2017.

An amendment to be tabled by the government when the bill returns to parliament on September 7 will propose changing the question.

The recommendation has come after the Commission carried out research with voters, focus groups and campaigners.

Nigel Farage said he would launch his own 'No' campaign Credit: PA

Changing the question could mean that politicians will have to rethink their 'yes/no' campaign.

Earlier today, Ukip leader Nigel Farage said he would launch his own campaign for a 'No' vote in the upcoming referendum.

He said he was "ready to work with absolutely anybody" in the battle for withdrawal from the EU but said he would not be signing up to Westminster's no campaign or the Know group launched by Ukip donor Arron Banks.