Bradford West MP George Galloway has called for an ‘in/out’ referendum to decide whether the UK should quit the European Union – and accused Labour of ducking the controversy The Respect MP said calls for a poll could be ignored no longer, after a Tory revolt against the Prime Minister.

He told the Telegraph & Argus: “This act by David Cameron – where he says ‘Make me Prime Minister and you can have a referendum’ – just won’t do.

“We need a referendum now, or, if not now, on the day of the general election, so the public can speak clearly and know the Government will act.”

Mr Galloway stressed he wished the UK to remain part of a radically reformed EU – one no longer following harsh free-market economics – adding: “Nothing is served by leaving.”

And he criticised Labour leader Ed Miliband for insisting now was not the time for a referendum – or even for setting a date for one in the future.

Mr Galloway added: “It’s a foolish move by Labour, because it’s absolutely clear that people want to have their say in a referendum.”

The Respect MP spoke out after joining 116 Conservative – and 11 Labour - rebels who demanded a Bill to guarantee a referendum before the end of 2017.

The vote on Wednesday night, an amendment to last week’s Queen’s Speech, expressed “regret that an EU referendum Bill was not included”.

Mr Galloway said: “There were some uncomfortable bedfellows for me in the lobby, of course – because I’m no Europhobe!

“But this was a question of democracy. We can’t keep the British people in a club that is very different to the one they joined, without giving them a say on it.”

The revolt forced Mr Cameron to agree to back a referendum Bill, now being put forward by a Tory backbencher to be debated on July 5.

A ‘yes’ vote will trigger many months of Parliamentary debate, although the Bill is still odds-on to be ‘talked out’ at some later stage. Tory Eurosceptics are likely to pile pressure on the PM.

Three local Conservative MPs – Philip Davies (Shipley), Stuart Andrew (Pudsey) and Craig Whittaker (Calder Valley) – were among the 116 backing an early Bill.

Gerry Sutcliffe (Lab, Bradford South) and David Ward (Lib Dem, Bradford East) voted with their parties, against the amendment.