Labour could be punished by the voters for refusing to offer a referendum on EU membership, Bradford South MP Gerry Sutcliffe (right) warned.

He has criticised his own party leader, after Ed Miliband all but ruled out a poll in the next Parliament, if Labour wins the general election.

The former Labour minister said: “I am pro-Europe, but I also signed the ‘People’s Pledge’ because I believe there should be a referendum to resolve the question.

“It is a bit confusing now Labour are saying we will not stage a referendum unless more powers are being transferred to the EU.

“I don’t think that is a good place for us to be, especially with the European elections coming up in May.”