BRITAIN takes a step towards its first vote on European Union membership in 40 years today with the government’s publication of its referendum Bill.

The question which will be put to the people is: “Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union?”

A Downing Street source said Prime Minister David Cameron was delivering on his promise of an in/out referendum before 2017.

The source said: “With today’s Bill, the PM has been true to his word. The question is clear. It will be for voters to decide whether to stay or leave.”

It was outlined in yesterday’s Queen’s Speech, but the Bill’s details will be revealed as Mr Cameron embarks on a tour of European capitals in a bid to persuade other leaders to back his renegotiation plans.

Communist Party general secretary Rob Griffiths welcomed the vote but predicted the PM’s renegotiation would be a “charade.”

He said: “For all its posturing, the Cameron government favours continued British membership of the pro-big business, pro-austerity, pro-privatisation EU, in keeping with the interests of the Tories’ chief paymasters in the City.

“The ‘negotiations’ with the EU will be a charade, used by the Tories to promote their right-wing agenda attacking migrant workers and employment rights while protecting City corruption from even the mildest EU regulation.”

Mr Griffiths added: “The Communist Party will campaign alongside our left and progressive allies for a popular vote against EU membership in any such referendum.”