Commenting on the result of today's Parliamentary vote on the issue of an in-out referendum on Britain's future in Europe, Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg said:

"Today's result simply confirms the determination of Labour and Conservative MPs to deny the people of Britain a real say over our future in Europe.

The Westminster establishment is terrified of an open public debate over the EU, but the fact is that nobody under the age of fifty has been able to have their say on this crucial issue.

The way to have that debate is not over the narrow issue of the Lisbon Treaty but on one simple question: in or out.

I will continue to lead the argument for a referendum on our membership of the EU and will be proud to argue the case for our country taking a leading role in Europe."

Harlow Labour MP Bill Rammell was among those who voted against an in-out referendum.