David Cameron Preparing for Backlash From Party Members Over EU Membership

Conservative MPs are expected to vote for an amendment expressing regret that there is no plan for a E.U. membership referendum bill

David Cameron will face a Commons showdown later over his plans for a referendum on the UK's membership of the European Union.

A backbench Tory amendment expressing "regret" at the lack of an EU referendum Bill in the Queen's Speech has been selected by Speaker John Bercow and will be put to a vote tonight.

The Prime Minister insists he is "profoundly relaxed" about the prospect, despite scores of Tory MPs expected to support the amendment.

Mr Cameron tried to head off the row by publishing a draft Bill guaranteeing a referendum by the end of 2017 but the move failed to win over MPs pushing for a vote.