Heseltine warns Cameron against EU referendum

Former minister Lord Heseltine fuelled Tory tensions over Europe by warning David Cameron against rushing into a referendum on Britain's membership.

Lord Heseltine, who is known for his Europhile views, said the Prime Minister would be taking a "punt" by offering a national vote before negotiations about the EU's future shape have started.

The comments came in interviews with The Times (£) and the FT (£) ahead of an anticipated speech by Mr Cameron on the union later this month. Lord Heseltine, an adviser to the coalition on economic growth, insisted: "Mrs Thatcher said 'Never go into a room unless you know how to get out of it'.