Let the people decide - that is the clear message from EU Referendum Bill MP James Wharton during a visit to Ramsgate.

After meeting residents during a walkabout and at a coffee morning with South Thanet MP Laura Sandys, Mr Wharton said: “It was great to visit Thanet and meet so many people who share my passion about this issue.

“I believe the majority of the British public want a say on the EU, and the legislation I have proposed will guarantee us an in/out referendum in 2017. Despite Labour repeatedly trying to block this Bill, the Conservatives are continuing to fight hard to give the British public the referendum they so deserve.”

Ms Sandys (correct) said: “It was great to have the man behind the EU Referendum Bill in Thanet answering local residents’ questions about their right to have a say on the important issue of our membership of the EU. There was a great turnout at the coffee morning and much enthusiasm for James’s calls to let Britain decide.

“I very much hope that this Bill makes it on to the statute books but with Labour trying their best to block it, we’re still not there yet.”

The Bill enters Committee Stage in the House of Lords this week.