An MP has rebelled against his own Government and voted to keep UK law and order regulations separate from those being proposed by the European Union.

North East Cambs MP Steve Barclay voted against both the Government and the official Labour party position on a motion to opt in to the 11 new policing and justice regulations being drawn up by the EU.

Mr Barclay said: “I do not believe it is right that the UK should be required to submit to the jurisdiction of other member states whose principles of justice do not correspond with our own.

“I believe that we need to renegotiate our relationship with the European Union and am fully in support of holding an in-out referendum, as it is important the British public have their say on this issue.

“Like many constituents I was outraged when the European Union requested an extra £1.7bn from the UK, and backed the Prime Minister in his negotiations to reduce the bill.”

Mr Barclay has also welcomed the decision to deny benefits to jobless EU migrants.

He said: “People should not be able to come to the UK and claim benefits for up to five years when no money has been paid in.

“This is a good step in the right direction and we need to address other areas where benefits have been claimed without contributions being made.”