The twists and turns in the saga since Britain was promised a referendum on EU membership
23 January 2013
Under intense pressure from many of his own MPs and with the rise of Ukip, the prime minister, David Cameron, promises an in-out referendum on EU membership if the Conservatives win the 2015 general election.
7 May 2015
The Tories unexpectedly make sweeping gains over Ed Miliband’s Labour party and secure a majority in the Commons. Cameron vows to deliver his manifesto pledge of an EU referendum.