MP NEIL Carmichael has pledged to campaign for the UK to stay in the European Union in the run up to the historic referendum which is to be held before the end of 2017.

Mr Carmichael, who is chairman of the Conservative Group for Europe, yesterday launched a pamphlet arguing for the UK’s continued membership of the EU at his Nailsworth office.

Contributing to the articles in the pamphlet a group of Conservative MPs, including Mr Carmichael, argue that the UK is much stronger within the EU, using specific examples from a range of key policy areas such as justice, the environment and the refugee crisis.

In his article Mr Carmichael explores how the EU matters to UK economic productivity by making the most of the single market, and developing supply chains and investment.

He writes: “All organisations need to be updated and reformed.

"The EU is no exception.

“The UK’s principle objective in this ongoing process must be to pave the way for a Europe where further barriers to economic progress are removed so that the Single Market is more comprehensive, existing economic networks can be strengthened, and firms are encouraged to modernise and invest.

“Through being a positive and confident member of the EU, the UK can enhance its global footprint and create conditions for greater wealth creation at home.”

All of the authors argue that, for all its challenges, the EU provides an economic boost for the UK, helps tackle some of our biggest challenges and a chance for Britain’s voice to be heard more strongly around the world.

The pamphlet is a contribution to the debate which will run up to the referendum on the UK’s membership of the EU.

At his launch Mr Carmichael put a number of posters on display that he had kept from the 1975 campaign to keep Britain in the European Economic Community.

The posters are 40 years old.