...before the end of 2017 - IF, the Conservatives win power in the next general election.
As I have advocated before this will be a referendum on the terms of a renegotiation of our relationship with the EU so there is a positive vote and not just an 'in/out' choice.
The Conservative leadership will, if a satisfactory renegotiation is not achieved, be prepared to recommend leaving the EU.
The big question will be around the aims of the renegotiation but, one thing is certain, an overall Conservative majority that would see this referendum become a reality will, without a shadow of doubt, be the most anti-EU parliament since we joined the EEC. The pressures for a very tough position will be immense.
The stronger the anti-EU feelings in the Party are the more likely we will be to quit this crooked and incompetent organisation.
More here:
http://www.spectator.co.uk/coffeehouse/7837858/why-the-tories-are-shaping-up-for-an-eu-referendum.thtml