The MP for North East Bedfordshire has announced today that he will be campaigning for a vote to keep Britain in the European Union in the referendum on June 23.

Alistair Burt, who has been Minister of State for Care and Support in the Conservative government since last year’s election, has consistently supported the UK’s position in the EU.

He says that – although the EU is not perfect – membership is the best option for a stable, secure and economically successful UK.

“I will be supporting the position to remain, based on my belief that our membership of the EU is best for us economically and politically for our security and stability in the years to come,” Mr Burt said today.

“The EU has helped significantly to contribute to a Europe in which the wars of many centuries between European nations are now unthinkable, and build economies and opportunities for all our citizens to benefit from.

“It is not without the need for further improvement, and a UK fully committed to our distinctive position in the EU – after the referendum – can contribute to its future without having one hand tied behind its back, having resolved this longstanding question in British politics.”

Peter Lilley, Mr Burt’s Conservative counterpart in Hitchin and Harpenden, has already declared that he will be voting to leave – he says this is the only way the UK can regain full control of its money, laws and borders.