Sir John Major has backed David Cameron’s EU referendum “gamble”, saying it could heal sores and have a “cleansing effect” on politics.
But the Tory former prime minister warned him to beware a backlash from eurosceptics in his own party “with Conservative heads and Ukip hearts” who would settle for nothing less than withdrawal.
Sir John, whose own time in Number 10 was wracked by backbench rebellions over the Maastricht Treaty, said it was time to “resolve” an issue which had come close to destroying the party.
Mr Cameron has said he will seek to renegotiate the UK’s relationship with the EU and ask voters to choose between that deal and exit by 2017 should the Tories win the 2015 general election.
“Two weeks ago, the Prime Minister offered the nation a referendum on whether to remain in the EU or leave it. He was right to do so,” Sir John said in a speech.
“As a principle, I don’t like referenda in a parliamentary system. But this could heal many old sores and have a cleansing effect on politics. It will be healthy to let the electorate re-endorse our membership, or pull us out altogether.
“At present, we are drifting towards and possibly through the European exit. We need a renegotiation and a referendum endorsement of it. If this is denied, the clamour for it will only grow.
“But it is a gamble for the country and for the Conservative Party. The relationship with Europe has poisoned British politics for too long, distracted Parliament from other issues, and come close to destroying the Conservative Party. It is time to resolve the matter.”
Sir John urged Mr Cameron to appoint a “lead negotiator” in the Cabinet to represent him across EU capitals in the negotiation if necessary overruling Liberal Democrat objections to do so.
Recalling his own bruising time at the hands of the Maastricht rebels, he said: “In Parliament, he will continue to receive unsolicited ‘advice’ about what powers he must repatriate. Some of his colleagues will think this is helpful and that our partners will hear the strength of feeling and capitulate.
“That is quite wrong. They will not. Such advice given publicly will undermine the Prime Minister’s negotiating position.
“He will be seen to be acting under political duress, rather than principle and conviction and his hand will be weakened. I know that because I have been there,” he said.