EU referendum: David Cameron set for U-turn over 'purdah' period amid Eurosceptic pressure

David Cameron is reportedly set to make another major concession over his promised referendum on the UK's membership of the EU, just a day after agreeing to change the question format on the historic vote.

The Conservative government is now expected to table an amendment to its referendum bill, which will introduce a "purdah" period in the run-up to the vote. Ministers had previously claimed the period, which would mean the government could not use civil service resources to promote their position, was not needed because the prime minister wanted to talk freely about keeping the UK in the EU.

However, pressure from Eurosceptic MPs has led Cameron to U-turn on the issue, the BBC has reported. The development comes after Cameron agreed to change the EU referendum question after the Electoral Commission watchdog warned the "Yes" and "No" options could create a perception of bias. The new wording will see voters pick between "Leave" or "Remain", a reform that was welcomed by Ukip leader Nigel Farage.

"I'm in no doubt that the 'Yes'/'No' offering was leading to great confusion and that 'Remain' or 'Leave' is much clearer," the Ukip firebrand told his Twitter followers. But other Eurosceptics warned at the time that the change would be insignificant unless the government reformed its position on a purdah period. It now looks like their wish has been granted.

Elsewhere, another reported change around the EU referendum came to light last night (1 September). Cameron is planning to hold the historic vote as early as April 2016, according to BBC's Newsnight show.

The debate around the referendum comes as Europe faces a migration crisis as thousands of refugees and asylum seekers hope to find a home on the continent. The phenomenon has even led German Chancellor Angela Merkel to raise questions about passport-free treaty the Schengen agreement. The area covers 26 countries across the EU, but the UK and Ireland have opt-outs.

However, Labour's immigration spokesman exclusively told IBTimes UK on 1 September that European leaders should review the treaty when they meet on 14 September. David Hanson MP said: "They should at least review Schengen and how it is operates, because of the fact that people can enter Greece and travel unended through the whole of Europe to as far as Calais."