Pat McFadden MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Europe, responding to Boris Johnson’s comments about an EU referendum said:

“Boris Johnson is just the latest senior Conservative to try and use the issue of a European referendum to jockey for position within the Party.

“The very fact that the Conservatives seem more interested in talking about the date, than about change in Europe shows that they are more interested in exit than in reform.

“A Europe policy built on constantly shifting sands all adds to the risk and uncertainty for British business and jobs.

“It is hugely irresponsible to play with Britain’s future in this way.  The changing position on Europe is not the exercise of leadership.  It is the absence of leadership.

“The better approach for Britain is to argue for reform in Europe and work with others to achieve it, rather than threatening to leave and putting jobs and trade at risk.”