This is Derbyshire --SOUTH Derbyshire MP Heather Wheeler is among 50 Eurosceptics who have signed an amendment condemning the Queen's Speech for not including a commitment to an in-out referendum on Britain's EU membership.
Another 50 MPs are also expected to sign, including Amber Valley MP Nigel Mills.
The amendment reads: "This House respectfully regrets that an EU Referendum Bill was not included in the Gracious Speech."
Prime Minister David Cameron had set a deadline to hold an in-out referendum on Britain's membership of the European Union by the end of 2017.
But Tory backbenchers believe the public will only trust his promise if there is legislation in place committed the country to a vote.
Mrs Wheeler said the amendment was the first stage in achieving this.
She said: "I am pleased that the amendment has been signed by so many colleagues and hope that means the Speaker will call it for debate.
"When I was elected I made it very clear where I stand on Europe. We have a great trading partner in the EU; however I feel that the European Project has gone too far. We cannot control our border from inward migration, or effectively say no to other EU-imposed regulation."
Mrs Wheeler said there were some "doubters in the country" who don't believe the Conservatives would really hold a referendum but that this "was a way of showing we absolutely will do it".
The rebellious backbenchers will introduce a Private Member's Bill for legislation enabling the referendum but Mrs Wheeler said it was hoped a government Bill would materialise in due course.
Mr Mills, although unavailable for comment last night, has confirmed he will also sign the amendment.
Derby North MP Chris Williamson said that at a time when the European Union is on the verge of signing a free trade agreement with the US it "seems absolutely bonkers" to deny the UK the benefits of that.
Downing Street has indicated that Mr Cameron was "relaxed" about the idea of Tory MPs formally attacking his Government's own Queen's Speech in the Commons division lobbies. But it is understood that he has ordered ministers, such as Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin, to abstain.
Mid Derbyshire MP Pauline Latham said she had not decided whether to support the amendment.
Erewash's Jessica Lee was unavailable for comment. Reported by This is 7 hours ago.