Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg has written to David Cameron demanding clarification of the Conservative Party’s stance on the EU treaty.

Commenting, Nick Clegg said:

"The argument over a referendum on the treaty is being used as a smokescreen to hide the real issue of whether we want to be part of the EU or not.

"The Government has become terrified of making the case for Europe, whilst the Tories are using the debate over a treaty as an excuse to retreat into old-school euroscepticism.

"David Cameron appears to have become confused over the differences that do exist between this treaty and the previous draft constitution. Until he explains what the Conservatives would propose to do if this treaty were rejected his position makes no logical sense.

"This treaty deserves a full debate, which is why it would be wrong to prevent it from reaching a second reading in Parliament.

"The time has come for us to have an open discussion about the future of Britain’s relationship with Europe. That means a referendum with one simple question: do we want to be in or out of the EU?

"The Liberal Democrats will be proud to lead the argument for Britain’s continued membership of the European Union."