PM: Ministers can campaign for either side in EU referendum

Jeremy Corbyn accused the prime minister of putting his party's future before the country's after Mr Cameron's announcement.

Mr Cameron told the Commons today that ministers would be allowed to campaign on either side of the referendum on Britain's membership of the EU.

ITV News Deputy Political Editor Chris Ship reports:

The Labour leader said: "Does he not see by isolating Britain from Europe he's making it more difficult to work with partners on all these issues, and he's putting the politics of his party above the national interest."

David Cameron's move to allow ministers to campaign on either side of the referendum on Britain's membership of the European Union is a "common sense decision", Conservative peer Norman Lamont has said.

The former Chancellor of the Exchequer, 73, told ITV News it is "entirely logical to allow people to express their views on an issue which doesn't have unanimity within any party".

He added that it is "the best way to keep the party united".

Cabinet ministers will be allowed to campaign on either side of the referendum on Britain's membership of the European Union, the prime minister has confirmed.

Mr Cameron told the House of Commons that the Government will make a "clear recommendation" following the conclusion of the renegotiation of the terms of its membership.

But he told MPs that it would be open for individual ministers to oppose this recommendation without quitting their Government posts.

The move will throw a spotlight on senior Tories such as Home Secretary Theresa May, Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith, Leader of the Commons Chris Grayling and London Mayor Boris Johnson, who will face increased pressure to declare which way they will vote.

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